Stirling Albion manager Kevin Rutkiewicz praised his side for their performance in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Stranraer in cinch League Two.
The Binos bounced back from recent defeats to Kelty Hearts and Annan Athletic with an emphatic victory at Stair Park, thanks to goals from Ray Grant, Dylan Mackin and captain Ross McGeachie.
It was Stirling’s first win over Stranraer since January 2009 when a hat-trick from Chris Hamilton and a Martin Grehan double helped Allan Moore’s team storm to an 8-2 triumph in the south west.
Stirling host Albion Rovers this weekend. The Coatbridge club were beaten 1-0 by Annan on Saturday but will be keen to make an impression at Forthbank with a handful of ex-Binos – Cammy Binnie, David Wilson, Declan Byrne, Aldin El-Zubaidi and Scott Roberts – all having made the switch during the summer.
The Binos go into the game boosted by a strong performance against Stranraer and could welcome midfielder Marc Laird back to the squad after injury.
Rutkiewicz said: “We asked for a response after the Annan game and we got it. I didn’t think there was a lot in it in the first 20 minutes – it was a good open game and both teams had chances – but then we did what we have been the victim of in the last couple of weeks by scoring two quick goals.
“You could see the pressure lifting off the players because they have been under a bit of pressure, as am I, because we set ourselves high standards so I’m delighted with the win.
“Dylan Mackin has been leading the line wonderfully – he is a terrific footballer – and I’m pleased he got his goal. Ray Grant gave a bit of a masterclass in the middle of the park and rarely gave the ball away. He’s had a bit of a difficult time and he’s been settling into a new club so it’s great for him to get on the scoresheet.
“It was a terrific ball from Nathan Flanagan for the third goal and Ross McGeachie deserved that goal. He was very vocal leading the group after the Annan game and it’s important to take that responsibility on. The players worked very hard on Tuesday and Thursday and I sensed before the Stranraer game that there was steely determination.
“By the end of the game we could have added to the three goals. Jack Leitch coming back made a huge difference and we have a strong bench when can bring on the likes of Dylan Bikey and Daniel Scally. It’s now important we try and build momentum when we play Albion Rovers on Saturday.”
Blues boss Jamie Hamill was far from happy with his side’s display as they fell to a second 3-0 home defeat of the season and prop up the table, albeit with a game in hand.
He said: “You have to give great credit to Stirling Albion but it’s not good enough from us to be conceding six goals at home in two games. We didn’t defend from the front and we keep doing the same things – it’s nowhere near where we need to be at.”
