Binosset forkick-off

Stirling Albion were handed a local derby against Alloa Athletic in the first round of the IRN-BRU Cup when the draw was made in Glasgow yesterday (Tuesday).

The Wasps are looking forward to life in the Championship this season after winning promotion via the play-offs under Jim Goodwin.

The tie is due to be played in the midweek of August 14/15, with the winners progressing to round two on the weekend of September 8/9 when the eight teams from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland enter the competition.

Binos played their first pre-season friendly last night (Tuesday), away at Airdrieonians.

Lee Hamilton, Darren Barr and Darren Smith were expected miss out but one or two could feature in Saturday’s game away to Lowland League side Dalbeattie Star, which has a 2pm kick-off.

Albion then face East Kilbride at K-Park a week today and play their final friendly at Stranraer on July 7 before hosting Dundee in the Betfred Cup opener a week later.

Binos boss Mackay said:“The players came back last Thursday, which was when we did our testing, then we had sessions on Saturday and Sunday. I’m happy with how the guys are shaping up and now we have four friendlies before the Dundee game to help us prepare.

“We’ll be having a look at one or two trialists in the Airdrie game. That will be a tough test for us because they have made a lot of good signings and scored seven goals at Gala at the weekend.”

Meanwhile, Stirling Albion have appointed Craig Wight as their new goalkeeping coach for 2018/19. The 39-year-old wasn’t offered a playing contract for next term but will now step up to coaching duties and work with Cammy Binnie. Wight previously played for Arbroath, Livingston, Berwick and Cowdenbeath and joined in February after a spell in Finland with Mariehamn, making five appearances for the Binos.