Stephen Swift made 3 changes from the midweek draw in the capital.
Peter Urminsky has been recalled by St Mirren on an emergency 7 day loan and misses out both today’s game and Tuesday’s home match against league leaders, Kelty Hearts. Div Wilson resumes the number 1 spot in goals.
Daz Christie and Euan O’Reilly were also brought in to replace Mikey Anderson and Ross Forbes, giving a more attacking look to the team.
Before the match started, both clubs and sets of fans observed a minutes applause in support of everyone in Ukraine that’s been affected by the recent atrocities.
The match started quickly with both teams picking up corners in the first 5 minutes, neither causing any problems for each defence.
The first decent chance dropped to Stirling on 7 minutes. A loose clearance was picked up on the edge of the box Dylan Paterson, but his drive was well wide.
The Warriors picked up a dangerous free kick on 10 minutes as O’Reilly was fouled by Laird, no booking for the foul, when it looked like one was merited. Robert Thomson stepped up to take the 20 yard free kick, but his attempt was well over.
Euan certainly has a target on him as he’s fouled again and again. This time a bit deeper. Yeats swung the ball deep into the home box, but was well held by Currie in the home goals.
Stirling had a chance to take the lead just after the 20 minute mark with the drive deflected wide for a corner. The corner failed to trouble the defence as much as the original shot and The Warriors cleared easily.
Daz Christie was next to be fouled after skipping past a few Stirling defenders with the free kick right on the corner of the box. The free kick was floated in by Euan and met by Sean Crighton at the back post, but was judged to have been offside.
Warriors picked up a corner a few moments later. After a few attempts at a clearance, the ball dropped to Thommo but the big striker couldn’t get a decent shot away.
Big chance for the home side to take the lead as Dunsmore fired a wicked ball across the box, it was missed by everyone and eventually went out for a corner which was dealt with by the visiting defence.
Daz Christie is having the time of his life on the right wing. Time and time again he beats his defender, sometimes twice, and gets into a good area. His final ball or decision though has let the winger down on a few occasions.
SUBSTITUTION: Euan O’Reilly has taken one knock too many and is forced off to be replaced by Mikey Anderson. [34 minutes]
RED CARD: Marc Laird is shown the red after a 2nd yellow card after a challenge through the back of Mikey Miller. [40 minutes]
Tam Orr had his first proper chance of the game just a moment later with a turn and shot inside the box. Blair Currie saved the shot.
HALF TIME: STIRLING ALBION 0-0 STENHOUSEMUIR
Straight into the 2nd half with a golden chance for Tam Orr. Daz Christie managed to get the the goal line and his cut back was met by the striker but his shot went straight into the thankful arms of Blair Currie.
A glorious chance For Stenhousemuir. Daz Christie again dances past the home defence, his drive across goal was missed by everyone and fizzled out for a goal kick.
SUBSTITUTION: Ross Forbes and Adam Brown are brought int the game, replacing Daz Christie and Robert Thomson. [56 minutes]
Stirling Albion already playing for time and seem to be content taking a point.
Tam Orr had the next chance to score. A nice flick on by Adam Brown was met by Tam and, we’ve seen him take these chances time after time, this one though was on his weaker side and his shot drifted well wide.
Stenhousemuir have had the best of the 2nd half so far, but Stirling are always looking to break. The Warriors need to make the extra man work for them.
GOAL: Adam Brown drives into the Stirling box and takes a shot from just outside the box, Currie has no chance and the ball hits the back of the net. STIRLING ALBION 0-1 STENHOUSEMUIR [Brown, 66 minutes]
Stirling Albion almost make an immediate response. Div Wilson was at full stretch to keep a cross from going in at the back post. The home side are certainly pushing on for a goal.
The home side make a treble change as they look desperate to get something from this game.
Into the last 10 and The Warriors are doing some text book game management. Making short passes and making the Stirling players work for possession.
Big chance for The Warriors and if it wasn’t for a good double save from Miller then Orr, the away side would’ve doubled their lead.
FULL TIME: STIRLING ALBION 0-1 STENHOUSEMUIR
