Ladbrokes League 2
Albion were rarely convincing and always looked vulnerable.
Darren Barr, Darren Smith, Willie Robertson and Lee Hamilton were all ruled out through injury but Kevin Moon returned to the starting line-up and new loan signing Ronan Hughes from Hamilton Accies was on the bench.
Annan arrived at Forthbank on the back of 2–1 defeats to Clyde and leaders Edinburgh City but their August form saw Murphy voted Manager of the Month and they got back on track to end a sequence of seven successive Forthbank defeats.
They went ahead when sloppy defending allowed Scott Roberts a sight of goal – his finish lacked power and precision and was heading wide of target but Horne panicked and swept the ball into his own net as he attempted to clear the ball.
Former Kilmarnock winger Chris Johnston impressed for the visitors, who also included former Albion left–back James Creaney in their side. Annan’s second goal arrived after 69 minutes when ex–East Fife midfielder Wallace had the freedom of the penalty area as he latched on to a header and confidently struck a volley beyond Calum Ferrie.
Mark Stewart – a replacement for Peter MacDonald early in the second half – almost got one back after being picked out by Horne’s cross from the right flank but keeper Jonny Jamieson did well to block his effort at close range.
Jamieson, a recent recruit from Gretna, was beaten in the first minute of stoppage time when Docherty’s low drive from 16 yards appeared to take a nick off a defender on its way into the net.
The same player had another shot blocked right at the end but Annan had chances to add to their lead before the game reached that stage and there could be no complaint about the outcome.
Annan’s only other success at Forthbank was 2–0 in September 2013 but Stirling went on to beat them in the play-off semi-final at the end of that season before winning promotion at East Fife.
The top four was also the minimum ambition this time round but it currently looks a long way off.