GOAL TO WIN
Kev aims to even Binos’ score with ex-Galabank pals
Stirling Albion are back on their travels tomorrow when they head south to play Annan Athletic at Galabank.
It’s a swift return to his former club for Binos boss Kevin Rutkiewicz, who last month left his post as assistant to Peter Murphy to take up the reins at Forthbank.
The ex-Aberdeen and St Johnstone defender’s first game in charge ended in a 1-0 home defeat to leaders Edinburgh City but a 3-0 victory over Berwick Rangers was followed by a 1-1 draw against third-placed Clyde at Broadwood last weekend.
Midfielder Danny Jardine’s second goal of the season was cancelled out by Dylan Cogill’s last-minute equaliser but it was another impressive showing from Stirling, who now play an Annan side who won 2-1 at Forthbank in September.
The Galabankies currently occupy the final play-off place despite losing 2-0 at home to Cowdenbeath last weekend and are 10 points in front of Albion with a third of the season complete.
Stirling have a poor recent record at Annan and slumped to a 3-1 defeat on their last visit in April when Blair Henderson hit a hat-trick for the hosts. They are without a win in six attempts at Galabank since winning 5-3 in the second leg of the play-off semi-final in May 2014.
However, left-back Jordan Allan believes they can end that run tomorrow and continue their improvement under new boss Rutkiewicz.
The former Dundee United, Morton and Elgin City player feels last week’s display against promotion-chasing Clyde proved they are a match for anyone in this division and feels the new manager has already had a positive influence on the club.
He said: “Kevin sets high standards and demands from the players – training has been good and the club has been lifted.
“The gaffer and his assistant Martin Hardie are always very positive and that’s what you need. You can have a laugh but standards at training are high.
“There is a togetherness about the team – there is a good shape and we know our roles. Clyde going forward are a good team and it’s not easy to stop the scoring but I thought the two centre-halves were excellent and we didn’t give them many chances.”
Striker Peter MacDonald returned to the squad last weekend after more than a month out injured but midfielder Kevin Moon and defender Lee Hamilton both missed out, as did on-loan Dundee goalkeeper Calum Ferrie.
The referee for tomorrow’s game at Galabank is Gavin Ross and kick-off is the usual 3pm. Admission is £12 for adults and £6 concessions.