Stirling Albion boss issues rallying cry for Annan shootout as survival fight goes to final day

Stirling Albion boss Darren Young is hoping a big turnout can help his side over the line as their bid to secure League One survival heads to a dramatic conclusion on Saturday.

The Binos face Annan Athletic in their final game of the season at Forthbank, knowing only a win will do to leapfrog their visitors and avoid the dreaded relegation play-off spot.

Stirling held up their side of the bargain by seeing off bottom side Edinburgh City 3-1 on Saturday, but Annan produced a dramatic last-ditch comeback from two goals down against champions Falkirk to snatch a 3-3 draw, meaning the Binos now must win to escape the play-off.

That result leaves the two sides locked together on 38 points, but Annan’s superior goal difference means it is the Binos left in ninth and having to chase a win when the two sides meet.

Albion enjoyed an early lead through Dale Carrick’s opener, but Olly McDonald’s rasping shot levelled the scores at the break.

But Stirling produced a composed second half display to pull away through goals from Josh McPake and Dale Hilson and had chances to swell their lead further in the game’s closing stages.

Binos boss Young was delighted by his side’s character after the Citizens’ equaliser and is hopeful his side can take forward some confidence into their crunch 90 minutes at the weekend.

The Stirling manager told the club’s media channel: “It’s been a long time coming and I think it was well deserved. I think we ran over the top of them in the last 20-30 minutes of the match and we could’ve scored more goals.

“I’m delighted to get the three points and we spoke last week about what was required – win the last two games and stay up so it’s still the same situation for us.

“We were maybe a bit nervous to begin with, but we showed good character and desire and when we got the ball down and passed, I think we caused them problems and scored some good goals as well.

“Overall, the target was to make sure we go into that final game with things still in our hands and it still is, we said last week about two wins – we got our win here, the job was done and so we look to make sure there are no injuries and then it’s everything to play for.”

Stirling have yet to taste victory against Annan in the sides’ three meetings so far – with the previous match at Forthbank back in December seeing the sides share the points in a 1-1 draw.

Young is hoping the Forthbank faithful will come out in force to resurrect the vibe from last season’s title win and push his side over the line to League One survival.

“We look forward to it, it is what it is, the last game of the season – a winner takes all game”, Young continued.

“I’m sure the fans will turn out and hopefully we can make it a big atmosphere, an atmosphere like from last season to stay in the league.”