Match Report - By Grant Hood

A Stirling Albion side who failed to score ANY penalties in a Betfred Cup shoot out 7 days prior, scored 2 during game-time to consign City to defeat at Forthbank Stadium, killing off any lingering hopes the Glebe Park side may have had of qualifying from the group.

The first half saw plenty of attempts at goal, although City’s efforts were comfortably fielded by Cammy Binnie in the home goal – whereas ‘Buzz’ was much busier - having his hands stung with a notable efforts from McNeil and Morrison.

Just as it looked like the game may head into half-time without the deadlock being broken, the referee awarded the Albion a spot kick when he adjudged that City’s James Dale brought down former City defender Ewan McNeil. In contrast to what had occurred at Forthbank the week before, experienced striker PETER McDONALD blasted in the type of spectacular penalty that several keepers in goal at the same time wouldn’t have stopped.

The second half started with City’s best move of the game. A surging run from Andy Jackson saw him feed the ball wide right to Aron Lynas who was motoring up in support. His low driven cross only just evaded onrushing strikers Kalvin Orsi and Isaac Layne – much to the disappointment of the vocal City following.

City came agonisingly close again following a throw-in from Aron Lynas, leading to some impressive ‘keepie-uppie’ from a closely marked Andy Jackson who was unable to turn. His goalward flick fell perfectly for Ryan McGeever though, whose volley flew over the bar from only a couple of yards out.

The home side continued to create chances of their own, with McGeever heading over his own bar after City failed to clear their lines defensively, then a header from Ross Kavanagh grazed the bar on the way over, when he was ideally placed to score. Moments later substitute Darren Smith blazed a cross ball over the bar after a powerful run down the right wing by Kavanagh.

City continued to create, with most chances falling to Isaac Layne. Disappointingly for the former Albion loanee, none of his efforts forced a save out of the home keeper.

Despite the game passing the 90-minute mark, City were still pushing for an equaliser, and a loss of possession in midfield ultimately saw Euan Spark penalised for fouling Smith right on the edge of the penalty area. Striker Peter McDonald calmly sent ‘Buzz’ the wrong way from the resultant penalty to secure the victory.

The game’s final chance fell to City but, typically on a night of profligate City finishing, it was ‘Jacko’ this time who saw his effort blocked after finding himself one-on-one with the home goalkeeper.