Stirling Albion 0 - 0 Queen of the South: Albion survive to fight another day, but only just

Published on Saturday 5 April 2008 19:43

STIRLING ALBION are still in the First Division but only just after yesterday's goalless draw against a Queen of the South side who might have had an eye on Saturday's Scottish Cup semi-final with Aberdeen.

Stevie Tosh came within a whisker of opening the scoring for Queens when his angled drive drifted past goalkeeper Scott Christie's right hand post.

Stirling's reply, however, was almost immediate and Andrew Graham's flashing header from Stewart Devine's inviting free-kick went wide of the target.

Queens striker Stephen Dobbie let fly from 20 yards but it was never going to cause Christie many problems.

After the break, Stirling's on loan striker from Burnley Jay Rodriguez showed some great skill to set up Chris Aitken inside the box but he blasted his effort well over the top.

It was then Stirling's turn to live dangerously when a Jamie McQuilken corner was headed into the box by Dobbie and into the path of Jim Thomson but the skipper's opportunist overhead kick landed on the top netting.

Rodriguez unleashed his drive towards goal from inside the box but it was blocked by the challenge of Andy Aitken.

Rodriguez was again in the thick of things, firing in a 25-yarder which looked a winner all the way before being tipped around the post for a corner.

Ryan McCann almost nicked it for Queens when he stepped up to belt in a 22-yard free kick only to see Christie push the ball over and with five minutes to go there was only frustration for Stirling's Steven Bell as he shot into the side netting.