For the second successive week, Stirling Albion scored 3 goals without reply as they saw off a Dumbarton team who battled all to the end in their fight to avoid relegation.
The Stirling Albion Coach will also be pleased that all three goals came from players not renowned for their goalscoring prowess with Kevin McDonald getting his first goal for the club in his 31st start of the season.

The match kicked off in temperatures more akin to mid winter than mid April (stand up all those who advocate summer football) with Dumbarton playing against the stiffish breeze. And it was Dumbarton who proved the more lively team in the opening few minutes. The first chance fell to Gemmell as he latched on to a ball played over the top of the Stirling defence. The big striker, however, only succeeded in blasting the ball over the bar from the corner of the 6 yard box. Stirling responded and, after James Allan had been penalised for hand ball, Devine’s free kick from 30 yards was tipped round the post by Grindlay.

Stirling took the lead in 19 minutes when Paul Hay won the ball from Brittain close to the half way line. He played the ball to Di Giacomo who laid it off to Dunn. Dunnzy then played the ball through to Wilson who made no mistake with a side footed shot past Grindlay from close range. A superbly worked goal which must have brought a smile to Allan Moore’s face who loves to see his side play football. 1-0 to the Binos.

After 25 minutes, Dunn was fouled 28 yards from goal, ideal range for Stewart Devine, but the full back’s left footed shot went past the post. Dumbarton then had to make a substitution when Donald, who had not been afraid to put in some strong tackles, came off second best in a 50/50 challenge with McNally and had to be replaced by Dillon. Dumbarton did their best to confuse Alan McAndrew, the tannoy announcer, as Dillon came on wearing McKinstry’s number 15 jersey. However, the mistake was soon spotted and the substitute soon donned the correct numbered jersey. Perhaps Dumbarton were aware that Alan had appeared on Off The Ball on Thursday when he commented about making a mistake about a substitution in a match involving Arbroath.

Just after the half hour mark, Kevin MacDonald almost broke his goal scoring duck when his 25 yard shot hit the crossbar. However, he did not have long to wait for his next opportunity as, just on the half time break, a good move which involved Dunn, Wilson and Di Giacomo saw the ball fall to Macdonald who made no mistake from the corner of the 6 yard box as his shot beat Grindlay at the keeper’s right hand post. 2-0 to the Binos as both teams headed for the dressing room.

Although neither team made any changes at half time, the second half was only 4 minutes old when Dumbarton made a double substitution. Gemmell and Allan, both former Queens Park players, were replaced by Rodgers and Borris. Former Bino, Allan, had been very disappointing, and Allan Moore must be glad that he managed to offload him and get Dunn as a replacement.

Borris had an immediate impact when his long range shot almost caught Hogarth off guard but his shot went just past the post. The other substitute, Rodgers, also had an impact on the game but it was only to be booked for a foul on Wilson. The Dumbarton player was not happy with the decision and made his feelings known.

The Binos continued to strive for another goal and a low cross from Di Giacomo was turned over his own crossbar by McEwan but, for reasons unknown, referee Somers awarded a goal kick. Annand was then booked for a late tackle on Nugent. The Dumbarton manager may have been tempted to bring Annand off as he was putting in a few rash challenges, but he had already used his full quota of substitutes.

After 65 minutes, Dumbarton’s Dobbins was booked for yet another foul on Wilson. Jinky was proving to be a thorn in Dumbarton’s side and it was no surprise that he was later named the sponsor’s Man of the Match. Whilst he was receiving treatment, the Binos made a substitution when MacDonald was replaced by Ferguson. The Stirling manager was probably taking the opportunity to try out some of the fringe players now that the match was more or less won.

The Binos were now starting to defend more deeply as Dumbarton struggled to get back into the match. Canning then came on in place of Aitken after 75 minutes.

O’Brien then missed a golden opportunity for the third when he contrived to shoot over the bar from 6 yards after a mazy run by Wilson. The Binos then made their final change with 7 minutes to go when McNally was replaced by Scotland. With 2 minutes to go, Hogarth had to pull off a one handed save to prevent a hooked shot from Annand from going in.

Into injury time and Paul Nugent rose above the Dumbarton defence to send a header past Grindlay to make the final score 3-0 to the Binos. Allan Moore commented a few weeks ago that his team doesn’t carry a big enough threat from corner kicks. Maybe Nugent is the answer to that problem.

This result puts Dumbarton in serious relegation problems and their match against Arbroath on the penultimate Saturday of the league will be very crucial. As for the Binos, fourth place has been secured and they will be hoping for 3 more wins to round off a good season for the club.

Next Saturday sees a visit to play local rivals Alloa. The match report will contain a small mention about the sponsored walk being undertaken by some supporters, myself included. If any reader would like to sponsor the walkers, please go to the thread on the website to obtain more information.

Finally, a word about the eccentric refereeing by Mr Somers. Did he really have to test the pressure of the footballs each time a replacement ball came on?