Two games in four days could put Binos back on track
Stirling Albion are preparing for two games in the space of four days as they aim to bounce back from their opening-day league defeat at Berwick.
Dave Mackay’s men face Clyde at Forthbank in Ladbrokes League Two tomorrow then make the short journey to play Alloa in the first round of the IRN-BRU Cup on Tuesday.
The Binos went down 1-0 at Shielfield last weekend when a strong first-half showing gave way to a desperately disappointing display after the break. Clyde ran out 2-0 winners against Cowdenbeath at Broadwood and came out on top when the sides last met in Cumbernauld in April.
The Bully Wee are likely to bring a big support to Forthbank for a fixture that has developed into a keen rivalry in recent years. Stirling will have Kevin Moon and Kyle Banner back after one-match bans but Darren Smith and Darren Barr remain on the injury list.
Mackay said: “We are still working hard behind the scenes trying to increase the strength and depth of our squad and hopefully our hard work will be rewarded shortly with news of a signing or two.
“Looking back at our defeat at Berwick, it obviously wasn’t the start we were all looking for. Our first-half display was good and we were really unfortunate to come in at the break still goalless but our secondhalf display was nowhere near the level of the first.
“In saying that, I felt we were unfortunate to come away empty handed and deserved at least a point.
“It’s always nice to win on the opening day but we still have 35 games left to go so there is certainly no panic from anyone in the camp.
“We want to make Forthbank something of a fortress, and though we know Clyde will be difficult opponents, hopefully we can get three points.”
Meanwhile, Clyde manager Danny Lennon is hoping his side can continue the fine form of the second half of last season, which saw them just miss out on the playoffs after a very poor start.
He told the club website: “The bookies have us as second favourites for the league. I expect us to improve on last season and that has to be our aim.
“Two of the teams who finished above us last season got promoted out of this league.
“The other two teams who finished above us, Peterhead and Stirling Albion, I would see as our main rivals for the league title and promotion. It’s going to be a highly competitive and interesting season ahead.”
The referee for tomorrow’s game is Lloyd Wilson and kick-off is the usual 3pm. Admission is £13 for adults, £9 for seniors and students, £5 for U16s and free for under 12s.