Thrid Division: Annan’s Brydson happy with draw

ANNAN Athletic had coach Euan Brydson in charge for Saturday’s 2-2 draw at East Stirlingshire, following the resignation of manager Harry Cairney, and he was delighted with the response by his players who battled for more than half of the game with only ten men.

The Galabank side led after 17 minutes when Graeme Ramage finished well after a great build-up, though the hosts were level 20 minutes later. Andy Stirling curled home a 19-yard free kick after he was brought down by Peter Watson who was dismissed for his troubles.

Annan went straight up the park and took the lead again when Ally Love’s corner was helped into his own net by Scott Maxwell. However, within a minute of the restart Kevin Turner was fouled and Stirling netted a penalty.

The home side had the lion’s share of possession but the Galabank players stood firm. Brydson said: “After going down to ten men we have to be happy with a point. Everyone was a bit shell-shocked with Harry leaving, but the effort and commitment from the players was fantastic. I have been coaching for over ten years and taking the job on appeals to me.”

Shire coach John Coughlin said: “We had the opportunity to pick up three points but despite loads of possession we never looked like winning.”

Bottom side Stirling Albion triumphed for the second week running by seeing off visitors Peterhead 1-0 to close the gap at the foot to just one point.

The Blue Toon played with ten men from the 17th minute after Scott Ross was sent off following a clash with Gary Thom and their defence was finally breached when Graeme Sharp fouled Stephen Day midway through the second half.

Jordan White knocked home the resultant penalty, but the striker’s day was to end disappointingly as he was red-carded later on for picking up his second caution.