Disgrace to play derby on ice rink
STENHOUSEMUIR skipper Andy Munro has branded the decision to play Saturday’s derby against Stirling a “disgrace”.
The match only started after passing an Ochilview pitch inspection shortly after midday.
But it was abandoned by referee Chris Graham before half-time with both sets of players struggling in the icy conditions.
The game was marred by a nasty head injury to Stenny’s new recruit Adam McCracken who was knocked unconscious following a collision with one of his team-mates.
An ambulance arrived on the pitch to take the former Ballymena defender to hospital.
But on Saturday night, a Stenny statement revealed Adam had been discharged from hospital and was feeling OK.
It was during this break in play that match officials examined the pitch and decided that one corner was causing particular concern as the temperature dipped.
Stirling were 1-0 in front at the time through a Dominic Docherty strike but both managers, Stenny’s Davie Irons and Binos gaffer Kevin Rutkiewicz, insisted it was the right decision.
And Munro said: “I know we got a local ref to have a look at the pitch about 12pm but I feel the match referee and the linesmen should have had a proper inspection themselves when they got here.
“It was a disgrace how it got to go ahead. It’s a game of football at the end of the day and it’s not worth anyone getting hurt over in my opinion.
“Everyone’s health and safety is the main priority and it was the right decision to call it off.”
Meanwhile, Stranraer boss Stephen Farrell revealed his half-time pep talk helped them see off visitors Annan 2-0.
Thomas Orr set the tone for the second half when he rammed a drive past Alex Mitchell with Annan’s hopes of getting back into things hit when Moxon was dismissed after clashing with Darryl Duffy.
Ruari Paton sealed the win from the penalty spot after Ayrton Sonkur was fouled by Matty Douglas.
Relieved Blues gaffer Farrell said: “I knew by the break that we were the only game in our league that was still on.
“We told the players that winning would therefore be massive.
“They went out and ground out a victory.”