Solid beginnings for Binos boss Mackay
But Well just too strong in the end
Stirling Albion ...0 Motherwell ........ 2
David Ogilvie Stirling began their preparations for the 2017/18 season with a good workout against Premiership opponents who ultimately proved too strong.
There was plenty of encouragement for Binos boss Dave Mackay, mainly in the first half, but a stunning strike from trialist Shaun Tuton and a six-yard tap-in from Ryan Bowman saw Stephen Robinson’s men ease to victory on a bowling green of a Forthbank pitch.
Albion begin the new season with a Betfred Cup tie at Falkirk on July 15 and were back in action at Alloa last night (Tuesday) before facing Cumbernauld Colts in another friendly at Broadwood on Monday.
Mackay had to do without Ross Smith and Andy Little but was able to include new signings Steven Noble and Peter MacDonald, while former Bino Lee Hamilton played as a trialist at right-back after leaving Berwick Rangers.
There were also appearances from the bench for trialists Jack McCue, John Henderson, a striker who was previously playing Junior football, and ex-Dunfermline player Cammy McClair.
Well, who were backed by a 600-strong travelling support, fielded a number of their summer recruits but were without main striker Louis Moult.
There was a quiet opening to this game, which was hardly a surprise, but Stirling created a number of clear-cut chances before the interval. Stirling Albion: Motherwell: Referee: Crowd: 1044 Willie Robertson showed up well in the middle of the park and Ross Kavanagh got in behind the defence on more than one occasion thanks to his pace.
Darren Smith impressed against his former club and twice set up MacDonald but the experienced striker failed to hit the target on both occasions when he might feel he should have scored. When the roles were reversed, Smith shot straight at goalkeeper Russell Griffiths.
Albion No. 1 Cammy Binnie didn’t have too much to do before the interval – although he did well to tip over a Stephen McManus drive – but had no chance when the deadlock was broken after 36 minutes. Tuton, whose last club was Barnsley, controlled the ball just outside the box, got away from Noble and smashed the ball into the top corner.
Stirling didn’t deserve to be behind at the break but Motherwell changed all 10 outfield players and largely controlled the second period, with Dom Thomas and Chris Cadden catching the eye.
The second goal arrived just before the hour mark when Cadden, a target for Hearts, delivered a low cross from the right and Bowman knocked it into the net from close range.
Both players missed good chances to add to the visitors’ lead as the seven changes made by Stirling during the second half took its toll but it was a sound performance overall by a team who only returned for pre-season training the previous Saturday.