Match Preview : Stirling Albion v Berwick Rangers – Ladbrokes League Two
Table toppers Berwick Rangers travel to take on another team who were victorious in their first encounter of the season, Stirling Albion tomorrow aftrernoon. The clash at Forthbank Stadium will kick off at 3pm.
The Binos, fresh from a local derby victory away to Stenhousemuir in their opener, will be looking to use home advantage to maintain an impressive start to the season including two wins in the Bedfred cup group stage. Goals from Darren L Smith, Callum Morrison and a late goal from Ross Kavanagh sealed the victory on the opening day of League Two.
The ‘Gers will travel with fresh optimism after an impressive 3-1 win against Clyde last Saturday. Last season’s clashes were relatively even affairs with one win apiece and two draws in the four meetings, both teams scoring 5 goals and the last match at Forthbank Stadium resulting in a 2-2 draw.
Kevin McKinlay will not be fit to face his former side.
Berwick Rangers Team News:
John Coughlin still has a few injury concerns, though his younger players in the team have so far coped well in the absence of those who Coughlin would have hoped would have been on-hand to help guide them through.
Steven Thomson remains out with a rib injury, whilst Pat Scullion is a doubt but could still play some part pending on a late fitness test. Kevin McKinlay and Robert Wilson at both making good progress with the physiotherapy team, but this weekend is expected to be too soon for them to feature.
Gary Phillips and Steve Notman are both available after missing out on our opening day win.
Stirling Albion Team News:
Manager Stuart McClaren is likely to still be without forward Andy Little who remains sidelined, and Ross Cameron who is still struggling with an ankle injury.
McClaren will also be without Blair Henderson, who finished joint-top scorer for the home side last season, and of course who enjoyed a fruitful spell at Shielfield Park, after the forward agreed a mutual termination of his deal yesterday afternoon.
The home side do have former ‘Ger Lee Hamilton on their books, who rejoined the Forthbank side in the Summer following a season-long spell with the Black & Gold army.
Match Odds:
SPFL title-sponsors Ladbrokes make the home side favourites to take another 3 points here.
Stirling – 10/11
Draw – 12/5
Berwick Rangers – 5/2
Match Admission:
Prices for the match are £13 for adults, £9 for seniors and students, £5 for U16’s and free for all under 12’s.
Only the West Stand will be open. Stirling fans should use turnstiles 1 & 2, with Berwick supporters via 3 & 4. Berwick fans might also want to purchase a game lottery ticket at the match as the jackpot currently stands at GBP 6,600.
Match Officials:
The appointed referee is Ryan Milne with assistants David Roome and Ryan Oliver.
We wish all our travelling supporters a safe journey and hope that you enjoy the game.
Updates during the game and latest news will feature through our official Twitter account on Saturday.
