Ballantyne hits double as Gable Endies reach last 32

STIRLING ALBION 1 MONTROSE 3

Montrose booked their place in tomorrow’s draw for the last 32 of the Irn Bru Cup with a thoroughly deserved victory at Forthbank last night.

A double from on-loan Cammy Ballantyne and another from Andrew Steeves saw the Gable Endies through.

Montrose manager Stewart Petrie said: “I’m really happy with the second half. There’s nothing in the game before the goal but goals change games

“Two or three weeks ago we didn’t have competition for places but we certainly do now.

“We’ve got good energy in the team and we freshened things up from Saturday and gave the likes of Chris Templeman and Martyn Fotheringham a rest.”

The Binos almost went ahead inside five minutes when top scorer Darren Smith got in behind the defence but he pulled his shot just wide.

The hosts looked the more likely to score in the early part of the game and had the ball in the net when Liam Caddis turned in a Connor McMullan free-kick but the flag was up.

McMullan fired over after being picked out by Ross Kavanagh while at the other end Iain Campbell curled a 20-yard free kick narrowly wide.

The visitors came close again five minutes before the break when Kerr Hay hit the side netting and they went in front right on half-time. A perfect through ball from Ross Campbell released Andrew Steeves and he sent a low shot beyond on-loan Ross County keeper Mark Foden.

Montrose booked their place in the next round with a second goal in 56 minutes. A good move down the left eventually saw Graham Webster set up Ballantyne and he sent a crisp finish beyond the keeper.

Petrie’s side controlled the second half with a strong and organised display and they got the third goal five minutes from time when Ballantyne thumped a superb shot into the net after an impressive build-up.

Albion pulled one back in the last minute when Darren Smith pounced from close range after being set up by Kavanagh.

Stirling boss Dave Mackay said: “It was nowhere near good enough and I don’t think Montrose will have an easier game all season.”