Encouraging Friendly Display

Date – Saturday July 17^th 2004
Venue – Forthbank Stadium
Competition – Pre-Season Challenge Match
Result - Stirling Albion 0-2 Motherwell
Attendance - 830

Stirling Line-Up – Myles Hogarth, Barry Neville, Mark McNally, Chris Scotland, Stewart Devine, Paul Hay, Kevin MacDonald, Craig Ferguson, David O’Brien, Scott McLean, Connor Gethins

Subs Used – George Rowe, Paul Nugent, Trialist, Trialist, Darren Cummings, Steven Hutchison

   Stirling started the match with 11 signed players, which in recent years, is quite a novelty in a pre-season friendly. Kevin MacDonald and Connor Gethins both made their debuts for the club whilst defenders Mark McNally and Paul Nugent both made there come backs after long term injuries. Motherwell, who brought a large travelling support of around 300, put out an almost first choice 11, with new signing Jim Patterson making his debut since signing from Dundee United.
   The match itself was a typical pre-season friendly, played at an unhurried pace, and few players willing to put in challenges. The first half had few chances, with much of the game being played in the middle of the park, where Stirling new boy Kevin MacDonald impressed. However it was Motherwell new boy Jim Paterson who broke the deadlock in the 43^rd minute, finishing off what was the best move of the match by far. Alex Burns moved the ball to David Clarkson who split the home defence with a cross to the far post, allowing Paterson to drive the ball in of Hogarth.
   The Binos made a number of changes early in the second half to give trialists and younger players a run out, and this damaged what rhythm the game had. Albion should have equalised in the 55^th minute when David O’Brien, who was captain for the day and revelled in the pressure with an outstanding display, found himself inside the penalty area. O’Brien turned Paul Quinn neatly but hesitated before shooting, letting Barry John Corr, the Motherwell keeper smother the ball at his feet.
   Other than that, the half petered out in to a training match. However Scott MacDonald scored eight minutes fro time, after an unbelievable decision from the Main Stand linesman who ignored the fact the Irish youngster was at least 3yeards offside.
   The Binos can take positives from the outstanding displays off Kevin MacDonald and David O’Brien and the lively display off on-loan signing Connor Gethins. However, the central of midfield still looks weak and hopefully Allan Moore will sign a couple more players by the time the new season comes around.