Stirling Albion took on Stranraer F.C. back at Forthbank in the hopes to redeem themselves after their match against Forfar last Saturday. Despite notable changes this match, the obvious was the return, and captaining, of Josh Mullin. The first half wasn’t looking the best for Stirling as they were 2-0 down at halftime. However, goals from Allan and Dobbie levelled the game.
Mason had the first chance of the day with a header from centre box, McNeil managed to stretch to save the chance. McNab followed closely with an attempt from the right, which found Hepburn and looked like it was going in but resulted only in a Stirling corner.
Captaining Mullin was eager to prove why he deserved the armband as he took a strike from outside of Currie’s box, which was on target. Stranraer managed to keep the clean sheet however it was a strong start for the Binos less than 10 minutes into the match.
Stranraer looked like the dominate side in the first 20 minutes and a real chance for the travelling side came as they were awarded a free kick 30 yards from McNeil’s net. Their kick found the head of Bruce who just couldn’t find the finish.
Allan was centimetres from goal as Stirling fans began to celebrate with Currie making the save on his line, such a close chance for Stirling.
Dobbie scored the first goal of the match for the away side just before the 30-minute mark as the team found an opening to his feet, in the centre of the box to take on McNeil who just couldn’t get a glove to Dobbie’s strike on the bottom right corner.
Dunne had the second goal as he took a corner for Stranraer in the 32nd minute which went straight into the back of Stirling’s net. Not a great first half for the Binos.
The final chance of the first half saw Waugh hit the crossbar after a strong Mullin corner with hopes the Binos see more of these chances in the second half.
Half-time: Stirling Albion 0 – 2 Stranraer
Halftime substitutions for Stirling as Daniel Dobbie replaced Zeke Cameron.
A goal for Stirling as Mullin took a chance which rebounded to find Allan who put it into the bottom right corner 2 minutes into the second half.
Stirling instantly came in stronger in the second half which caused Stranraer to make a few mistakes. Fyfe had a second strong chance, but his header didn’t go the direction to tie the scoreboard.
Stranraer started their substitutions as Daniel McManus was replaced by Roman Hughes in the 55th minute.
57th minute and it’s Dobbie with the equaliser. A bit of scramble from Stranraer’s defence after a Stirling cross released the ball into the path of the youngster to put it past Currie.
Shortly after his celebration Dobbie was booked for a poor challenge and Russell McLean replaced goalscorer, Jordan Allan.
69th minute and Aaron Healy and Dean Cleland replaced Archie Traynor and Seb Mason.
Both teams desperately hunted for the third goal to take the lead as Stranraer fans grew angrier as Stirling kept a strong defence.
73rd minute and Austin Laird replaced Barry Hepburn.
Ecrepont looked to make it a third for the away side, but McNeil managed to get himself above the strikers to grab the ball and settle the attack with just over 20 minutes left to play.
Due to injury Kevin Waugh cut his game early in the 80th minute as Sam Denham was his replacement.
The final ten minutes was a back and forth both on and off the pitch as supporters on both sides celebrated but also scrutinised the 90 minutes.
Final replacements for Stranraer as Jordan Stuart replaced Zach Bruce.
Full-time: Stirling Albion 2 – 2 Stranraer F.C.
Stirling Albion:
Starting Lineup: McNeil, McNab, Banner, Hepburn, Mullin ©, Fyfe, Hutchison, Waugh, Cameron, Allan, Crane
Unused substitutions: Duffy, Thomas, Wright, Raine, Gould
Goal scorers: Jordan Allan (47th), Daniel Dobbie (57th)
Stranraer F.C.:
Starting Lineup: Currie, Dunne, Ecrepont, McLuckie, Quigg, Traynor, Bruce, Dobbie ©, McManus, Gillie, Mason
Unused substitutions: Henderson, Trialist, Lynch
Goal scorers: Lewis Dobbie (27th), Evan Dunne (32nd)
