Charity pool power
Stirling Albion need ‘breathing space’ points
Stirling University swimmers Craig McLean, Kathleen Dawson and Danielle Huskisson have been encouraging locals to get into the pool.
The trio were supporting Swimathon, the world’s biggest annual fundraising swim, where people across the UK are invited to jump into one of 600 pools for the April 7-9 event and raise vital funds for Marie Curie, the UK’s leading charity for people living with a terminal illness and their families.
Stirling Albion head for Arbroath tomorrow aiming to upset the odds and give themselves some breathing space near the bottom of Ladbrokes League 2.
Dave Mackay’s men are in eighth place, one point ahead of Edinburgh City and four clear of Cowdenbeath but the Blue Brazil have two games in hand.
Stirling hit back to draw 2-2 with Berwick Rangers at Forthbank last weekend and did the same when they faced the Red Lichties in November but have won just once in the last nine matches.
Mackay said: “Arbroath had a good comeback against Montrose to win 3-1 after they were losing at half-time.
“They are second in the league and narrowed the gap on Forfar a little bit so they will still have aspirations of catching them. We will need to be a whole lot better than we have been in recent weeks – we are killing ourselves with the goals we are conceding.
“The first one against Berwick was from a corner and the guy is standing three yards out
Swimmers can challenge themselves to the 5K, 2.5K or 1.5K individual or Team 5K or 1.5K distances and raise funds for Marie Curie.
Kathleen, Scottish national record-holder at 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke, said: “Swimming is an easy way to keep fit and raise money for Marie Curie. Sign up today.”
And European Open Water 5km champion Danielle added: “Swimathon 2017 is a great way to challenge yourself and raise money for Marie Curie.”
Craig, a member of the British to poke the ball home when someone should be attacking the ball.
“For the second one, we sell ourselves on the edge of the box and make it easy for the striker to get a free shot. We need to improve as a team defensively because we are far too weak and conceding too many goals.”
Stirling face Edinburgh City next weekend and go to Cowdenbeath at the beginning of March but the Binos boss said: “They are all big games the position we are in – it doesn’t matter who we are playing. We need to start picking up points and by that I mean three points. It’s no use just picking up a point here and there – we need to start winning games.
“There is no lack of confidence in training but there is when it comes to games. Understandably the fans are not happy with what they are seeing at the moment and I don’t blame them but sometimes you have to try and support the team a wee bit more.
“Maybe the players are feeling a wee bit of stress but I’ve said to them before that if they can’t handle playing in front of 400 or 500 people then maybe football is not their game. We have to be stronger mentally and deal with it because, no matter what club you are at, fans will get on your back if results are not going your way. Swimming Senior Gold squad, said: “Take the plunge and with every length you’ll be supporting families living with a terminal illness.”
Marie Curie Community Fundraiser Jennifer Gale said: “We’ve got over 50 people signed up already to take part in Swimathon at The Peak and we want to double that. With the support of Kathleen, Danielle and Craig we hope more people will be inspired to sign up.”
For further information about Swimathon including how to sign up visit : www.Swimathon.org.
Skipper Ross McMillan is set to miss out after suffering a hamstring injury last weekend and Ross Kavanagh, Josh Jeffries and Callumn Morrison remain on the sidelines.
Mackay added: “Liam Caddis (who went off with a calf strain last week) might have a chance, Calvin Colquhoun will be available after suspension and Ross Kavanagh isn’t far away but I think Saturday will be too soon. The good thing is that Ross Forsyth, Ross McGeachie and Jack McCue all came through the Berwick game OK after a long time out.”
Ryan Milne is the referee for tomorrow’s game against Arbroath at Gayfield. Kick-off is the usual 3pm and admission is £13 for adults and £7 concessions.
Stirling Albion’s U20 side returned from their extended winter break with a 4-1 win over Cowdenbeath on the Forthbank plastic in the Development League East on Tuesday.
Alex Docherty, captain Sam Davidson, Darren Petrie and trialist Andrew Johnstone – a winger previously with Ayr United – got the goals.
Albion’s next U20 game is against leaders Berwick Rangers at New Victoria Park, Newtongrange, on Wednesday at 7.45pm.