Stirling Albion 2-1 Raith Rovers: Raith blow opportunity as Binos notch vital victory

Published on Saturday 10 January 2009 19:21

Stirling Albion 2 Raith Rovers 1

RAITH Rovers missed out on the opportunity to move further ahead at the top of the table, as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at Stirling.

Even though the hosts were backed by a ferocious wind in the first half, it was Raith who started the brighter. In the 10th minute former Hearts striker Gary Wales connected firmly with Robert Sloan's cross, producing a brilliant save from Scott Christie.

Stirling's first clear cut opportunity came in the 15th minute as Martin Grehan thundered a 20-yard shot inches wide of David McGurn's goal.

Albion then took an unlikely lead in the 32nd minute. The Raith defence failed to clear and Binos' captain John O'Neill slammed home from the edge of the box.

This breakthrough breathed life into the hosts and 60 seconds later McGurn bravely denied David McKenna.

The hosts' superiority continued after the break and they doubled their lead in the 50th minute. Stuart Devine and Chris Hamilton combined to set up McKenna who drilled low past McGurn for his first goal at Forthbank in 15 months.

The league leaders fought back though and Wales was unlucky to see his 55th minute effort ruled out for offside. However, Rovers did pull one back in the 61st minute in bizarre style.

Robert Sloan's in-swinging corner, aided by a fierce breeze, caused havoc in the Stirling box and was adjudged to have crossed the line before the Albion defence could clear.

With the elements on their side, Raith pushed valiantly for an equaliser but could not find a way through stubborn Stirling.