Boss wants win as Christmas gift for crowd

Stirling Albion manager Kevin Rutkiewicz wants his side to make the most of home advantage when they face bottom club Albion Rovers at Forthbank tomorrow.

The Binos have beaten Berwick Rangers (3-0) and Elgin City (5-2) in their last two home fixtures and three away draws mean they are five games without defeat since the 1-0 reverse to Edinburgh City in Rutkiewicz’s first match in charge at the end of October.

He said: “Every game is an opportunity and we want to send the supporters home happy in our last game at Forthbank before Christmas. Hopefully there will be a good turnout. There has been an upturn and we have managed to score a few goals.

“It’s important to do well at home and that is where most people see you. We need to start games better and not rely on moments of magic. It’s good that we have players who are capable of scoring great goals but I would like to see us scoring some simple

ones too.”

Stirling were stunned 3-0 at Cliftonhill at the end of September, a result that spelled the end for Dave Mackay, but t hat remains Rovers’ only win in League 2 this season and they are eight points adrift of Berwick Rangers at the foot of the table.

Rutkiewicz added: “I’m really looking forward to the game. Both teams will be fully committed and we know what happened the last time so that is something our players will be aware of.

“Albion Rovers have been scoring goals in most of their games recently and have had some close results against teams near the top so this will be as difficult as my first game against Edinburgh City.

“We got a good point at Hampden last week but the performance in the first half was poor and we need to do better.

“We are looking to improve the quality in our game but I’m sure the supporters can see the effort and the togetherness in the team in the last few matches.”

Defender Lee Hamilton and striker Mark Stewart are again ruled out through injury and Rutkiewicz is hoping a number of players shake off knocks in time to face Kevin Harper’s team, who lost 4-2 away to Elgin City last weekend.

Darren Barr left the club last week to take up the post as assistant manager at Annan and Rutkiewicz named himself among the substitutes as defensive cover at Hampden last weekend.

Rovers are making their first visit to Forthbank since February 2014, when Stirling won 2-0, and the only away point they have picked up this season was at Cowdenbeath in September.

David Lowe is the referee for tomorrow’s game and kick-off is 3pm. Admission is £13 for adults, £9 seniors and students, £5 U16s and free for U12s.