Capital outfit keep up Stirling record
Binos register an unwanted three-in-a-row
STIRLING ALBION ................................. 1 EDINBURGH CITY ................................. 2
Stirling Albion went down to a third straight defeat on Saturday as Edinburgh City came from behind to continue their excellent record at Forthbank.
Albion looked to be back on track when Dale Carrick fired them in front midway through the first half but John Robertson equalised from the penalty spot and Innes Murray hit the winner 11 minutes from the end after Ray Grant had been sent off.
Kevin Rutkiewicz’s side ended the weekend still in third spot but are only five points ahead of eighth-placed Stranraer in an increasingly congested cinch League 2 table.
Stirling have a good record at Ainslie Park and were unfortunate only to draw 2-2 there back in September but how City must love their visits to Forthbank.
The Citizens had won 1-0 on three of their last four journeys along the M9, and the other ended 0-0. At least Albion scored this time, but it was cold comfort on a pleasant but chilly autumn afternoon.
The Binos went into the match without the suspended Adam Cummins while fellow defenders Martin McNiff, Paul McLean and James Creaney were all ruled out through injury. The team lined up with skipper Ross McGeachie on the left of a back three while Jack Leitch and Kieran Moore occupied the wide midfield berths and there was a rare start for Sean Heaver just off the front.
There hadn’t been too many opportunities at either end before Stirling took the lead in 22 minutes. Moore provided the assist with a good cross from the right flank and Carrick sent a first-time finish past on-loan Livingston keeper Brian Schwake for his fourth league goal of the season.
Gary Naysmith’s side, who were playing away after a run of five straight home fixtures, were level 15 minutes later when McGeachie was penalised for a challenge on Ouzy See and exSt Johnstone striker Robertson scored from the spot despite Blair Currie getting a hand to his kick.
Stirling began the second half on the front foot and Moore had a couple of decent efforts but City came back into things and Robertson tested Currie before a key moment in the contest arrived with 15 minutes left.
Grant, already in a booking, received a second yellow card for a careless tackle near the halfway line, and was sent off by referee Ross Hardie.
Edinburgh took advantage within a matter of minutes. Murray, on loan from Hibs, caught the eye in the last meeting between the teams and the attacking midfielder was afforded too much space as he skipped away from a defender and drilled a low shot into the net from the edge of the box.
Substitute Dylan Mackin fizzed a drive over the bar as Stirling sought an equaliser but the capital club held on for an important win. A third straight league victory at Elgin last night (Tuesday) would have propelled them to third place in the table.
Albion’s only win in six was against Berwick in the Scottish Cup a month ago and they now face a huge game against Tranent Juniors in the third round at Forthbank on Saturday.
Stirling Albion: Currie, McGeachie, Banner, Laird, McGregor, Grant, Heaver (Watson 79), Carrick (Flanagan 84), Bikey (Mackin 70), Leitch, Moore (Roberts 84). Subs not used: Law (GK), Omar, Scally, Rutkiewicz.
Edinburgh City: Schwake, Kidd, Bronsky, McKay, Jarron (Brian 58), Berry (Hilton 79), Tapping, Handling (Kane 86), Murray, See, Robertson. Subs not used: Quate (GK), Reekie, McFarlane, Ferguson, Shanley. Referee: Ross Hardie
Crowd: 528