Stirling Albion lost their 100% league record with a 1-1 draw with Morton in front of Forthbank’s biggest crowd of the season. Dropping 2 points at home is very often looked upon as a bad result, however, considering that the Albion were under the cosh for large periods of the game, to maintain their unbeaten record and remain at the top of the division can be looked upon as a good result.

Craig Ferguson had appeared to have picked up an injury which meant Allan Moore having to re-shuffle his line up. Devine slotted into Ferguson’s midfield role, Scotland moved back to left back and Mark McNally returned after missing the Forfar match. The loss of Ferguson was a big blow as he has been very impressive this season.

The match started at a cracking pace and Morton were the first team to show in attack. However, McDonald caused some panic in the Morton defence with a beautifully flighted free kick. The Morton defence managed to clear the ball for a corner. From this, Glancy saw his shot parried by Coyle.

After quarter of an hour, McLean had a header which went just over the bar..

Triggers header goes just over.

Morton’s lively attack retaliated and the Albion defence had to resort to some desparate defending to prevent Morton from taking the lead. Morton’s Millar became the first player to be booked for a tackle from behind on Glancy. 2 minutes later, a McDonald free kick was casually flicked by Rowe but the ball went just past the post although Coyle did have it well covered. A shot by Marco Maisano from just outside the 18 yard box went just over the bar.

The Albion took the lead in 31 minutes from a well worked move. A short corner from Devine to O’Brien saw the ball being played back to Devine. He played the ball to Glancy who passed to McDonald. The ball was rolled across to Devine who sent a low left foot shot past Coyle. 1-0 to the Albion.

Devine scores

By this time the rain had stopped and the sun had come out. The brighter weather signalled an upturn in the Albion’s play and, as half time approached, it looked as if the home team would go into the break with a slender lead. Then, on the 42nd minute, Morton equalised through Millar. A cross from the left seemed to hang in the wind. Chris Scotland failed to clear properly and the ball fell to Millar who slotted the ball past Hogarth.

The Albion almost snatched a valuable lead just before the break when a McLean drove the ball across the goalmouth but Glancy was unable to get on the end of the cross. From the resultant corner, Glancy managed to turn and send a left foot shot which Coyle tipped over the bar. Referee Rowbotham brought the first half proceedings to a close with the score tied at 1-1.

There were no changes by either side at half time. Devine crossed to Glancy and the little striker managed to turn his marker. However, his shot only succeeded in hitting the back stanchion.

Glancy hits the back stanchion

At the other end, a snap shot by Marco Maisano went about a yard past. As Morton continued to apply the pressure, a flashing header by Hawke went into the side net. A minute later, from another McAllister cross, Weatherson’s shot was turned round the post by Hogarth. McNally was booked for a foul on Hawke in the build up to this move.

At this stage, Morton looked the more likely team to score as the Albion seemed to be having difficulty in getting the ball into the Morton half of the field. A shot from John Maisano out on the right was turned past by Hogarth.

The Albion made their first substitution when Scotland was replaced by Hutchison. This resulted in Devine moving to the left back position. A few minutes later, Morton introduced former Stirling “favourite”, Alex Williams, when he replaced Hawke.

A fine run by O’Brien ended with the winger’s cross being cut out by Coyle with Glancy waiting to pounce. Glancy was then replaced by Cummings. McDonald was booked for deliberate hand ball after he had slipped on the greasy surface.

In the last minute of regulation play, McLean had a chance to win all three points for the Albion, but, after managing to lob the ball over the keeper, he was unable to follow up and the danger was cleared.

Before the match, Morton were being strongly tipped to win all three points especially as they had sacked their manager the day before. Very often, when a team is managerless, they try that bit harder. Therefore, the Albion can be very satisfied to have won a point. September was always going to be a hard month and, at the start of the month, I had predicted the team to win 6 points. They already have four, therefore, 2 draws in the next 2 matches, both away from home, will see them achieve that.

There is no doubt that the strong running and ball holding abilities of Ferguson were sorely missed. Hopefully, he will be fit for next week’s match against fellow promoted team, Stranraer, who are only 1 point behind the Albion.

MANY THANKS TO GRAHAM HAMILTON FOR THE PHOTOS.