Stirling Albion boss Darren Young praised the club’s hierarchy for giving his squad special treatment ahead of Saturday’s match with Elgin – after some were left reaching for the sick bucket on their last visit.
The majority of the Binos squad made the long journey up to Moray on Friday evening ahead of the crunch clash at Borough Briggs and that investment was rewarded with a fine away performance to take Stirling five points clear at the League Two summit.
A pair of goals in the first half from Aaron Dunsmore and Dale Carrick put the Binos on easy street against the struggling home side, before Robert Thomson added to his rich recent vein of form with a third after the break.
The win, coupled with Dumbarton’s loss at home to Stenhousemuir, means the Binos enjoy clear blue water at the top – with the chance to extend their lead even further with the visit of Elgin to Forthbank last night.
Albion gaffer Young admitted he was delighted with his side’s performance and said the overnight stay had helped bolster an already strong team spirit.
Young said: “We’re absolutely delighted for the players and for the fans. It was a great travelling support up here again.
“The last time we came up here, there were five or six players sick on the bus and the kit man as well so we spoke about maybe coming up on the bus on the Friday night. Most of the boys came up and went out for dinner, which helps with the camaraderie in the group.
“The togetherness and the team spirit of the players is outstanding and that helps in a game like today. Everyone is busting a gut to get forward and bail each other out as well.”
The win wasn’t without its challenges, however, with Binos defender Adam Cummins forced to limp off after just nine minutes and keeper Blair Currie having to look sharp.
Young praised his gloveman – who signed a new two-year contract extension with Albion over the weekend, taking him up to the end of the 2024/25 campaign – and the depth of his squad for making sure the Binos didn’t miss a beat.
Young added: “A special mention for Blair who made two or three unbelievable saves to keep the score at 2-0 and 3-0.
“All of the subs came on and played their part, Jojo [Jordan McGregor] has been out for a while, came in and was outstanding, marshalling the defence brilliantly alongside Pabs [Paul McLean].”
