MATCH STATS
U20 midfielder Connor McMullan, while there was a first start of 2017 for on-loan Hearts winger Callum Morrison.
The return of French striker Dylan Nguene Bikey, on loan from Tynecastle for the rest of the season, had the fans understandably excited given his nine goals in nine games before moving to the capital in late January but he was starved of service and had little impact on this game.
Bikey was outstanding when Stirling drew 1-1 at Station Park in January in what was a highly impressive all-round team performance but Saturday couldn’t have been more different.
Forfar were physically stronger and afforded Albion little space as they won the match at a canter.
Ross Kavanagh fired wide from a good position in the first half and Darren Smith was denied a goal for the fourth game in a row by a smart save from Grant Adam after the interval but Dave Mackay’s men generally offered little threat.
Slack defending was ultimately their undoing, though. There was an early escape when Thomas O’Brien headed against the bar and Michael Travis looked certain to score with the follow-up but Chris Smith somehow kept the ball out with his legs.
It was a warning the Binos failed to heed and Forfar went in front after 13 minutes. Gavin Swankie got away from full-back Liam Caddis – some felt he had impeded the former St Johnstone man but he just looked to be stronger – and crossed for Lister to net from close range.
Denholm doubled the advantage in 26 minutes when McMullan gave the ball away and the former Livingston winger cracked a low shot across Smith and into the corner from 18 yards.
Albion have staged some notable comebacks this season but it never looked likely on Saturday and it was game over 11 minutes after the break when more poor defending allowed Denholm to bundle the ball home after a free-kick had been turned back across goal.
Swankie hit the bar late on as the visitors were denied a fourth goal and Mackay will hope his side can respond in positive fashion when they cross the border to face Berwick Rangers this weekend.t Stirling Albion C Smith, Caddis, Quigley, Wright, Forsyth, McMullan (Petrie 61), Black, Morrison (Henderson 61), D Smith, Nguene Bikey, Kavanagh (Little 73). Subs (not used): Binnie (GK), McLaren, Jeffries, Mills. Forfar Athletic Adam, Travis, McLaughlin, Munro, O’Brien, Malone, Cox, Peters (Malone 74), Lister (Fotheringham 81) Swankie, Denholm (Scott 74). Subs (not used): McGovern (GK), Milne, Kennedy, MacKintosh. Referee Mat Northcroft Crowd 738
Albion have staged notable comebacks lately but it never looked likely on Saturday