Stirling Albion 0, Bonnyrigg Rose 2: Disappointing display means back-to-back Binos defeats

SPFL LEAGUE TWO

Stirling Albion 0, Bonnyrigg Rose 2

It was back-to-back defeats for Stirling for the first time on league business this season as Bonnyrigg claimed a deserved away win at Forthbank.

An injury-ravaged Stirling squad was shorn further with Erik Sula's red card at Peterhead meaning a defensive re-organisation, with Ricky Waugh brought into the Binos midfield.

But that flux in the home side was evident in a lacklustre display, with goals in either half securing success for Calum Elliot's visitors.

Cammy Ross had the first chance for the visitors on five minutes, latching on to a floated Kallum Higginbotham pass to fire a shot which forced a low save from Derek Gaston.

It was Stirling who had the next chance, Jack Harkness curling a cross into an unmarked Cammy McKinley, who could only head wide when he should have done better.

But it was the Rose who opened the game's scoring on 18 minutes – and they were given a helping hand to do so.

A floated free kick from Currie found its way to the back post, where McKinley looped a header into his own net under pressure from Ross.

There was sloppiness in the Stirling play as they fought to bring into proceedings, with Adam Brown firing a powerful wide of target from 20 yards.

Bonnyrigg were inches away from doubling their lead on 37 minutes, Ross cutting inside and firing a shot which forced a fabulous stop from Gaston to claw over the bar.

Dale Carrick had the home side's final threat of the half, curling over the bar from the edge of the box after neat interplay from the Binos.

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Stirling had a big scare in the early stages of the second period, with Aaron Arnott's low shot from 18 yards just creeping wide of the post after Higginbotham's pass.

Ferguson was perhaps lucky to stay on the pitch for a heavy challenge on the Bonnyrigg left, with ref Greg Soutar showing the St Johnstone loanee some leniency with a yellow card.

Ricky Waugh enjoyed a good chance on the break for the hosts following Ross Davidson's defence-splitting ball, but scooped the opportunity well over.

The home side started to ramp up their pressure for the equaliser, with Lewis Milne tugging his effort wide of the left post following a Bailey Dall cutback.

But the Rose were to test Gaston once again moments later, Dean Watson finding space in the box to fire a shot which the big Stirling keeper made himself big to block.

That crucial second was to come on 79 minutes as Bonnyrigg ensured the points would be heading back to Midlothian.

Aaron Arnott slid a pass through the Albion defence to lay in Bradley Barrett and he made no mistake, rifling a composed finish beyond Gaston.

Josh Kerr's header drifting over harmlessly from a late corner was the best the home side could muster as they limped to defeat having registered only a single shot on target.

A disappointing afternoon for Stirling, who slip down into sixth in the early standings as the Rose lifted themselves in the top four.

Stirling – Gaston, McGeachie, Kerr, Ferguson, Davidson, Carrick, Brown, McKinley (Milne 63'), Waugh (Knox 83'), Dall, Harkness (Weir 73'). Subs not used – McIlvanney, Howe, Scott.

Bonnyrigg – Ritchie, Mailer, Young, Murphy (McRoberts 83'), Watson (Lorimer 76'), Higginbotham, Currie, Barrett, Arnott, Ross, Scarborough. Subs not used – Andrews, McGachie, Gardiner.

Referee – Greg Soutar

Attendance - 718