Stirling Albion recorded a narrow 1-0 victory over Dumbarton in a match which, at times, threatened to boil over as tempers became frayed. The match also broke new ground as it became the first Scottish League match to be refereed by a referee from the Welsh League. This probably meant that Mark Whitby’s performance came under more scrutiny than usual. Unfortunately, he seemed to be inflicted with the level of inconsistency which we have seen for many years by Scottish officials. A classic example was Gibson’s booking for kicking the ball away after a free kick had been awarded against the Binos. Whilst few would argue against the booking, after that, there were at least three occasions where a Dumbarton player could have been booked for kicking the ball away after the whistle had been blown yet, on each occasion, the referee took no action. Perhaps chapter one of the referee’s manual is on inconsistency.

However, to the match, and the Binos, unsurprisingly, showed no changes from the team which started last week’s match against Stranraer. And the Binos were first to show in attack when a ball over the top from Hay found Gethins. Unfortunately, his cross was just out of the reach of McLean. Russell, who was to come in for a lot of stick from the Albion fans throughout the afternoon, turned Nugent and sent in a cross which came off Roycroft for a corner. From the corner, Hogarth had to look lively as the ball was whipped into the 6 yard box.

Ferguson was the next Albion player to have a go as he collected a pass from McLean but his weak shot went past the post. Dumbarton replied but a longe range effort from Ronald didn’t trouble Hogarth. Then Dumbarton had the ball in the net after 22 minutes but Rodgers was adjudged to have been offside following Dillon’s cross.

The Binos responded but Gethins could only pull his right foot shot wide from a Gibson cross. Gethins repaid and cut the ball into Gibson’s path but the winger seemed to suffer a moment of indecision as he weaved his way into the 18 yard box and the ball was cleared for a corner.

Dumbarton had the ball in the net for a second time following a corner but Ronald’s strike was disallowed as it was clear that Hogarth had been fouled as he collected the ball. Dumbarton had another couple of efforts at goal as half time approached but Hogarth only had to deal with one of them.

Hay became the second Albion player to be booked, just on the half time whistle, when he brought down Rodgers. However, Rodgers should have been penalised in the build up to the move, as it was clear that he had handled the ball as the ball came to him. However, half time came with the score deadlocked at 0-0.

Dumbarton away support.

Neither team made any changes at half time although the Binos did make a tactical change by switching to 4-4-2 with Paul Hay moving to right back and Nugent moving into the centre along side McNally.

The early pressure came from the Binos with McLean showing up prominently. Then a 25 yard shot from Hay went wide of the post. The second half was only 5 minutes old when the Binos made their first change with Ferguson going off to be replaced by Allan. Almost immediately, the Binos took the lead when a Gethins free kick from the edge of the box found its way past Grindlay. Connor won’t claim this as being his best strike but his low shot sneaked round the defensive wall and past a flat footed Grindlay. 1-0 to the Binos.

The Binos could have made it two when Allan played the ball to Gethins whose cross was deflected into the path of Gibson. However, the on loan striker would agree that this was not one of his best efforts as he blazed the ball over the crossbar.

Just after the hour mark, Ronald was booked for a foul on Gibson. The referee had allowed play to continue but Moore became very animated with O’Brien as he felt that the Binos’ winger should have put the ball out of play to allow Gibson to get treatment. To make matters worse, after the referee had blown his whistle to stop play, he managed to fall over Gibson as he attempted to run backwards whilst watching to ensure that there were no off the ball incidents as the match was threatening to get out of control. Just after play was re-started, Galloway was booked for a foul on the aforementioned Ronald although, to be honest, I did not see what the infringement was as both players had merely gone for a high ball.

The goalscorer, Gethins, was replaced by Glancy after 66 minutes. Hogarth brought off an excellent double save to deny Ronald the equaliser after the Dumbarton player had been left in the clear in front of goal. As normal in the second half, there was a spate of substitutions which saw Donald being replaced by Boyle, Russell being replaced by Annand and the Binos responding by bringing on Wilson in place of Gibson. Dumbarton also brought on Bradley in place of Dillon.

Another Dumbarton attack ended with a weak shot from Ronald. James Allan could have wrapped it up for the Binos in the 89th minute when he was put through but his long range shot was held by Grindlay. In the final minute, McLean collected a pass from Allan but, with only Grindlay to beat, he sent his right foot shot wide of the keeper’s left hand post.

Trigger(under the date) puts effort wide of the post in the last minute.

Referee Whitby, much to his relief, brought the match to a close with the final score being 1-0 to the Albion. However, whilst it was pleasing to finally achieve a victory at Forthbank in the last match of three successive games at home, the performance showed that the team still has a long way to go to regain there early season form.

Management shake hands at the end.

Hogarth pulled off some excellent saves whilst Roycroft deservedly won the sponsor’s Man of the Match award. Gibson has failed to display the form he showed when he was on loan last season and the midfield, in general, seems to lack ideas and awareness of what is happening around them. Ferguson, in my opinion, is particularly disappointing. He has the build to be a good player and, whilst he puts in some strong runs, the final effort is poor. Up front, McLean goalscoring touch seems to have deserted him while the manager is still trying to figure out whether Gethins or Glancy is the best partner for him.

SEAN ROYCROFT WITH HIS MOM AWARD.

Next week brings a break from league business when the Binos visit Glebe park to play Brechin in the 2nd round of the Scottish Cup. There is no doubt that it will be a very difficult match as Brechin tore the Binos apart when they last played 7 weeks ago. Manager Moore may have to make changes as Partick Thistle may be unwilling to allow Gibson to be cup tied although, judging from Thistle’s recent results, it would take more than Gibson to change their fortunes. However, we shall have to wait and see but, as always, I’ll travel north hoping for a positive result and the Binos being in the draw for the 3rd round.