BINOS TO END THEIR LOSING STREAK
Side aim to turnaround dismal run at Forthbank
Stirling Albion are aiming to end a run of almost seven months without a home win when they face Queen’s Park tomorrow.
The Binos haven’t won on home soil since defeating Clyde 2-1 at the end of February and have since racked up 10 games without a victory at Forthbank.
Dave Mackay’s men beat Elgin City 3-0 at Borough Briggs in their last outing a fortnight ago and are now looking to start climbing the table after a nightmare start to the season.
The Spiders head for Forthbank on a high after beating Welsh champions The New Saints in the IRN-BRU Cup and have only lost once in League 2.
Their long-serving manager Gus MacPherson was this week linked with the role of technical director at St Mirren, who he previously managed.
Last season’s top scorer Darren Smith again misses out through injury but Darren Barr and Kevin Moon are likely to be added to the Stirling squad after featuring in Tuesday’s Reserve League 2 game against Livingston, which ended in a 7-1 defeat at the Tony Macaroni Arena. Justin Watson scored Albion’s goal but it was a night to forget as Livi raced into a 6-1 interval lead.
Striker Mark Stewart is also available and centre-half Jason Marr, who would have played in the reserves had it not been for illness, should also come into contention.
However, it would be a surprise if there were any changes to the team that were so impressive in beating Elgin on September 1.
Mackay said: “Queen’s Park have had a
solid start to the league campaign with two wins, two draws and one defeat and a couple of good cup results as well.
“They had a great result down in Wales – they were maybe fortunate only to be 1-0 down at half-time but they turned it round against a good team so they will obviously be in high spirits.
“We are in a much better frame of mind after our performance up in Elgin and we need to go on a good run and get a string of wins together, which I think we are more than capable of.
“It’s been a long time since we won at home and that’s something we have spoken about. It’s nowhere near good enough – our home form needs to improve and it needs to improve quickly.
“We had a good win over Brechin in a friendly a week past Thursday and it was encouraging how we played, especially in the first half.
“We’re looking forward to getting back into action on Saturday because it feels like a long time since the Elgin match.”
Stirling host Annan Athletic next weekend then travel to Coatbridge to play bottom club Albion Rovers at the end of the month.
Mackay added: “I wouldn’t set a points target for little groups of games like that. I’d normally look at a target per quarter or for half a season. We are obviously not on target at the minute but hopefully we can get back on track.”
Meanwhile, Stirling look unlikely to pursue their interest in former Falkirk winger Mark Stowe, who has featured in his maximum three games as a trialist.
Mackay said: “I’d hoped to get Mark in last week to play a couple of games but he had just started a new job and his shifts didn’t allow him to make it.
“He did well in training but I’ve not seen enough of him in games and I don’t think anything is likely to happen.
“It’s possible we could still add to the squad if the right player becomes available.”
Lloyd Wilson is the referee for tomorrow’s game and kick-off is the usual 3pm. Admission is £13 for adults, £9 for seniors and students, £5 for U16s and free for U12s.