Young striker happy toopen account
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McLaren made five changes to the team that drew 1-1 at Montrose, some of them enforced. Darren Smith (injured) and Ross McMillan (ill) dropped out, as did Ross McGeachie, Craig Comrie and keeper Chris Smith. David Verlaque, Ross Smith, Olanrewaju, Lewis McLear and Cammy Binnie all started.
Too many flat first-half displays have been a factor in Stirling sitting seventh in Ladbrokes League 2 but they were bright enough here against an Annan team looking to bounce back from a shock 3-1 defeat to bottom club East Stirlingshire. The opening goal arrived inside seven minutes. Sean Dickson began the move with a perfect pass to release Steven Doris and Albion’s top scorer in turn picked out Olanrewaju, who drilled a low shot beyond Jordan Hart for his second goal of the season.
Peter Weatherson twice came close to equalising and Binnie pulled off a good save from Todd after Verlaque had been denied by a goal-line clearance at the other end. The decisive second goal came 14 Ross Kavanagh scored his first senior goal for Stirling Albion within a few minutes of replacing Phil Johnston on Saturday. The game also saw a first team debut for Jordan Herron who came on in
the closing moments minutes from time. Doris was again the provider, pushing the ball into the path of Kavanagh. His first touch was heavy but he kept his composure and fired a low drive past former Celtic keeper Hart.
Annan thought they had pulled one back when substitute Smart Osadolor had the ball in the net but it was clear he had used a hand to put it there.
Referee Mike Taylor appeared to initially award the goal before ruling it out after consulting with his assistant and booking the striker.
The Galabankies did reduce the deficit with four minutes left when the ball was cut back from the left for ex-Carlisle man Todd to beat Binnie with the aid of a deflection but Albion saw the game out. Under 20 top scorer Ross Kavanagh was thrilled to score his first senior goal in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Annan at Forthbank.
Kavanagh, who netted 16 times in the Development League East this season, came off the bench at the weekend to open his account for the first team in only his third appearance.
The former Alloa player, who turned 19 yesterday (Tuesday) and is now at the end of his second season at Forthbank, said: “It’s brilliant to have got my first goal and hopefully I can progress from here. It’s another confidence boost and my aim now is to get a start in the team rather than coming on from the bench.”
Manager Stuart McLaren added: “I’m delighted Ross got his first senior goal, although I think he was trying to challenge himself with that first touch! He is a striker and is all about goals - we have high hopes but he needs to keep working. I’m confident he’s the type of personality that will do that.”
Meanwhile, Stirling Albion have confirmed that defender Lee Hamilton will not be offered a new contract for season 2016/17. The 20 year-old, who made his first-team debut against Elgin City three years ago, is currently on loan to Junior side Bo’ness United.
Manager Stuart McLaren said: “After a discussion with Lee about his future we have agreed that a contract renewal is not the best option at this point in time.
“It has been a difficult season for him, with few opportunities to start firstteam games, but he has been a model professional throughout that time. Lee has given great service to Stirling Albion, which I personally thank him for, and I wish him every success in the future.”
It was a first senior goal on a day to remember for Kavanagh