Disappointing show as Binos lose again
Seven first half goals - including four for David Grant - secured Bannockburn a semifinal spot in the Cinema Cup against luckless Cambusnethan Talbot..
Chris Ogilvie set up the opener for Kyle Dempsey early on and within minutes, Grant made it 2-0.
Ogilvie made it three and on the half hour, Grant scored his second. He got his third virtually from the kick-off.
Nearing half-time, Dempsey secured his second and from a visitors’ corner Ogilvie sped up the pitch, fed Grant who scored his fourth and Burn’s seventh.
After the break, Ogilvie’s looping shot ended up in the net and Ryan Weir made it nine. In between these goals a defensive blooper gave the visitors an opportunity which they took.
Declan Wood made his debut from the bench, almost scoring with his first touch.
He had better luck near the end, betting the final goal after Weir had made it 10-1.
On Saturday Bannockburn play host to Dumbarton Academy in the quarter final of the West of Scotland Cup. Venue likely to be St Modan’s High School. Thanks to Tartan Arms for their post-match hospitality. STIRLING ALBION .................................. 0 ALBION ROVERS .................................... 1 but the home team lacked width and creativity and gave the ball away regularly. It was hard to watch. The poor state of the pitch didn’t help but it was the same for both teams and you got the impression the visitors wanted this more.
Stirling offered more in the second half but it was all a bit desperate and they didn’t work keeper Peter Morrison often enough. Max Wright had a chance and MacDonald should have done better after being picked out by Lee Hamilton but on-loan Motherwell man Newell came close at the other end and Ferrie pushed a fierce Gary Phillips drive round the post.
Rutkiewicz’s men threw plenty balls into the box but didn’t get a break – not that they really deserved one – and a wonderful save from Morrison to repel a Glover header in the 90th minute secured Albion Rovers’ first away win since they beat Stranraer 3-2 on this weekend 12 months ago.
Saturday saw the Coatbridge club almost double their points tally for the season and they might yet avoid the need for a play-off with most likely East Kilbride or Cove Rangers to preserve their SPFL status but it’s now four defeats in five for Stirling after a previously excellent run of results.
Stirling Albion: Ferrie, McGeachie (Hamilton 12), Allan, Hughes, Marr, Banner, Jardine, Docherty, Mackin, Wright (MacDonald 63), Ashmore (Glover 25). Subs not used: Binnie (GK), Thomson, McLaughlin, McLear.
Albion Rovers: Morrison, Hardie, Clarke, Wharton, Wilson, Morena, Osadolor (Reilly 72), Fotheringham, Newell (Fisher 86), Byrne (Gordon 90), Phillips. Subs (not used): Potts (GK), Escuriola, McMahon, Ross.
Referee: Craig Napier