Forthbank six-pointer awaits Stirling Albion as they aim to pull out of relegation play-off spot

A classic ‘six-pointer’ awaits for Stirling Albion tomorrow (Saturday) as they host Queen of the South at Forthbank in a clash that will go a long way to deciding their League One status.

With just three games left in the season, Stirling have dropped into the relegation play-off spot after defeat last time out at Kelty Hearts – giving them a crucial trio of games to conclude their season against the teams around them.

Those matches begin with the visit of the Doonhamers to Forthbank, with Stirling sitting just three points behind their visitors in the table.

In the other crucial match at the bottom, eighth placed Annan visit bottom side Edinburgh City with confidence of claiming three points – although the Citizens will go into the clash high in confidence after a midweek win at home to Montrose.

Stirling sit behind the Galabankies on goal difference and will be hoping to keep the margin tight, with matches against Edinburgh and Annan themselves to round out the season.

The Binos have already been busy this week in their preparations for next season, securing the signature of highly-rated Stirling University forward Cameron McKinley.

The 23-year-old has netted 27 times for the Uni during his time there, helping the students secure their fourth straight BUCS title, as well as an East of Scotland Cup and strong finishes in the Lowland League.

Stirling boss Darren Young said: “We’re delighted to get Cammy on board. We have been watching him develop for the past few seasons now and he’s always impressed us.

“He’s strong, tall, quick and knows where the goal is. He will complement the squad we already have and will be great around the changing room. We look forward to working with him.”

The Binos have yet to taste defeat in their three matches with Queens this season, with Jordan McGregor claiming a 78th minute winner at Palmerston in their first clash, before the sides shared a 1-1 draw at Forthbank just before Christmas.

Dale Carrick opened the scoring on 26 minutes on that afternoon and Stirling should have extended their lead before Marvin Bartley’s side came back into the game and levelled through Paul McKay 15 minutes from time.

The third contest in March also saw the spoils shared, Stirling falling behind to an early Alex Ferguson goal, before Josh McPake found an equaliser.

Queens skipper Josh Todd looked to have found the winner from a set piece, but Carrick popped up with a last-ditch leveller to head up the road with a point.

Winger McPake was a major threat for the Binos in the March game and will be hoping to impress potential suitors for next season with a strong display.

The former Rangers starlet is training with Premiership St Johnstone in an effort to keep up his sharpness.

Saints boss Craig Levein said this week: “Josh is training with us on a Monday and a Tuesday.

“It’s to help him out – and it lets us have a look at him."

Kick off at Forthbank is 3pm.