Stirling Albion secured a 2-1 victory over Edinburgh City in the William Hill League Two at Forthbank.

Despite a challenging start in which the Binos had to withstand sustained pressure from the visitors, they took the lead on the stroke of half-time through James Graham, who weaved past several defenders before calmly slotting home.

Just two minutes into the second half, City drew level through former Stirling University player James Stokes, who capitalised on a rebound to fire into the roof of the net.

However, Stirling responded well, and Ryan Shanley netted the winner in the 64th minute as his deflected strike looped over goalkeeper Mark Weir to seal all three points for the Binos.

Alan Maybury made two changes to the starting XI from last week’s match against Peterhead, with Scott Constable and Callum Crane coming in to replace Dale Carrick and Cooper Knox.

Edinburgh City registered their first attempt on target within just two minutes, as a darting run from Innes Lawson carved through the Stirling defence before he threaded a pass to Dylan Wells. However, Wells couldn’t generate much power in his effort, and his shot rolled comfortably into the hands of Derek Gaston.

Just a minute later, Derek Gaston was called into action again as Malek Zaid thumped a powerful strike towards the Binos’ goal, but Gaston produced a tremendous diving save to deny the opener.

The Stirling keeper had no time to relax, as Tiwi Daramola once again broke through on goal, only to see his low effort blocked by the legs of Derek Gaston as he tried to slide it past the number one.

Stirling had a great chance to open the scoring through Ryan Shanley, who eased past the Edinburgh backline and fired a shot on target that almost crept in at the far post, but was denied by the outstretched foot of Mark Weir.

City enjoyed the better of possession and continued to test the limits of the Albion backline, probing with a series of chances that were dealt with well by the defence and Derek Gaston.

Following a frantic opening half hour, the game began to open up, with play largely concentrated in midfield. Edinburgh City seemed to take their foot off the gas, maintaining possession and adopting a more measured approach.

Stirling took the lead on the stroke of half-time through James Graham, who dazzled the City defence with a superb solo run after receiving a threaded through ball from Ryan Shanley. The winger weaved past three defenders, leading them on a merry dance, before drawing Mark Weir off his line, and coolly slotted the ball into the back of the net.

Half-Time: Stirling Albion 1-0 Edinburgh City

Just two minutes into the second half, City drew level through former Stirling University winger, James Stokes. Tiwi Daramola’s initial strike was parried by Derek Gaston, but the rebound fell kindly to Stokes, who rifled it into the roof of the net.

Tiwi Daramola had another chance to put City in front with a strike from the corner of the Stirling box, forcing Derek Gaston into yet another magnificent save as he dived low to smother the effort with his fingertips.

In the 64th minute, Stirling regained the lead courtesy of Ryan Shanley. His surging run down the right flank caused panic in the Edinburgh defence, who struggled to cope with his pace and footwork. Shanley’s shot took a deflection off an Edinburgh defender and looped over Mark Weir into the net.

Edinburgh looked to draw level once more, with Innes Lawson having a go at the Stirling goal, but his effort was fired wide of the target.

As the game entered its final stages, Stirling did well to maintain their lead, while Edinburgh began to look flat – a stark contrast to their lively first-half performance – as they struggled to create any meaningful chances.

With five minutes of added time and a solid defensive display from Stirling, the Binos saw out the match to secure all three points in a hard-fought, battling performance.

Full-Time: Stirling Albion 2-1 Edinburgh City