Rutkiewicz hails brilliant Binos after Berwick battering

Stirling Albion manager Kevin Rutkiewicz praised his side for an outstanding performance as they beat Berwick Rangers 3-0 at Forthbank on Saturday.

Neil McLaughlin, Dylan Mackin and Danny Jardine all scored their first goals of the season and the Binos could even afford the luxury of two missed penalties in the space of 60 seconds from McLaughlin then trialist Michael McIndoe.

Both teams went into the game in poor form but Albion were convincing winners and now face Clyde at Broadwood this weekend on the back of a much-needed victory.

Rutkiewicz said: “It was two teams who are going through a period of change and there were a lot of positives for us. It’s a fantastic result. We’ve scored a few goals, kept a clean sheet and the fans were enjoying the football.

“I still think there is a lack of belief in there to really go and express themselves but it will come because results like that will breed confidence.

“I’m not big on individual praise but I thought the front four were exceptional. We’ve not scored goals this year but we looked like a threat so that’s pleasing and Cammy Binnie had a couple of great saves as well.

“No performance is ever perfect but that was pretty close to very good! We’ve had a good result and we’ve also got Darren Smith back on the park for the last 15 minutes and he almost nicked a cheeky goal. We could have had more goals with the penalties and on another day Danny Jardine could have had two or three, but Berwick weren’t without chances either.”

Trialist McIndoe, who was capped by Scotland at B level and played for Doncaster and Bristol City, impressed in a role just off the front.

Rutkiewicz added: “Mikey has had two sessions with the boys and I thought he brought a level of maturity and composure to us at times. Just putting his foot on the ball and making an extra pass was excellent. His CV could strangle most people at this level but for him it’s all about the body clock. He looks fit and strong.

“We’re delighted with Mikey, as we are with everyone that took part. He has come in on a trial basis but with performances like that he could have a few takers.

“I’m not going to make kneejerk decisions on who comes in and who goes — everyone here has a clean slate. Mikey is a humble lad who is very grateful for the chance.”

The new Binos boss knows a tougher test awaits against promotion-chasing Clyde, who ended Edinburgh City’s 12-match winning streak with a 1-0 win at Ainslie Park. He said: “The win against Berwick is one result and next week we go to a team who have just beaten the team who were top of the league and who gave us a difficult time of it last week.

“We are under no illusions — it was a good day at the office and that’s three points in the bag but the total focus is on Clyde now.

“Darren Barr had a wee flareup (of his knee) but I thought the middle of the defence was excellent with Ross McGeachie sliding in there. The thing I said to the likes of Ross, Evan Horne, and Kyle Banner when he came on, is that I shouldn’t notice you — the change should be seamless and it was, which is a credit to them.”