A CRUCIAL RUN FOR THE BINOS
Squad now have the chance to claw back lost points
Stirling Albion manager Dave Mackay admits tonight’s rearranged game against bottom club Cowdenbeath at Forthbank is the first in a crucial run of fixtures.
Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at leaders Montrose saw the Binos slip to sixth in the table but a victory this evening in a match originally due to be played on December 9 will propel them into the play-offs.
It’s the first of four home games in the space of a month – Albion host play-off rivals Elgin City on Saturday and also face Clyde and Annan Athletic during February, with their only away fixture at Cowdenbeath.
Mackay’s men were 3-0 winners at Central Park in October and the Blue Brazil are nine points adrift at the foot of the table.
Gary Bollan’s team lost 3-1 to Berwick Rangers at the weekend and haven’t picked up maximum points since beating Edinburgh City in August.
The Stirling boss said: “It’s a huge month. It’s certainly one that will make or break our chances of the play-offs but it’s a great opportunity to claw back the teams above us.
“They are winnable games on paper and, although it’s not always that simple,
“I’m confident we can put a wee run together.
“There was plenty that was very pleasing at Montrose but we were punished for a couple of errors.
“There are two vital games this week, especially with Elgin having gone above us on Saturday, and we want to get back into the play-offs.
“We have shown decent signs in the last few games that we are getting there but we need to cut out the errors that are killing us at the minute.”
Cowdenbeath are 20 matches without a victory but Stirling have managed only one success in their last nine outings and lost to the Fife club when they last visited in April.
Mackay added: “It’s a good opportunity to try and bounce back and get into the top four again because we have been sliding down the table.
“It’s a huge game for us and it’s the same for Cowdenbeath – they are scrapping for their lives and are getting a bit detached at the bottom.
“Wednesday will be probably be too soon for some of the injured players although there is a chance Ross Smith might be available.
“Sean Dickson’s not ready yet and Andy Little is a week or two away.
“Steven Noble isn’t far away but I doubt he’ll make Wednesday.
Midfielder Kevin Moon made his debut in the 2-1 defeat at Montrose and Mackay is still hoping to further add to his squad before the closure of the window at midnight tonight.
The referee for tonight’s game is Gavin Ross and kick-off is 7.45pm.
Admission is £13 for adults, £9 for students and students, £5 for U16s and free for U12s.