Crunch Queens clash awaits for Binos as Stirling boss admits side under pressure over League One survival

Darren Young admits the pressure is on after a third defeat on the spin dropped Albion into League One’s relegation play-off spot.

The Binos turned in an improved display at Kelty Hearts but it was typical of their shot-shy season as the home side’s Stefan McCluskey netted the game’s only goal.

The defeat, allied with wins for Queen of the South and Annan, means the Galabankies leapfrog Stirling on goal difference, while the Doonhamers move three points clear of the Binos.

It was Stirling’s 12th away league defeat, comfortably the second worst record in the division. Kelty secured their own survival with the win, leaving a three-way fight over the remaining three games – with Stirling facing both of their drop rivals.

Binos boss Young said: “The conditions were horrendous.

“We were the better team in the first half – they were in our box once and scored with a poor goal to concede.
“We looked quite solid defensively but once again, it’s that little bit of quality in the final third that has let us down. It’s just really frustrating,”

Queens are in town on Saturday, with a defeat likely to be a hammer blow for any hopes of staying up.

But Albion are unbeaten against Marvin Bartley’s side this season, with one win and two draws.

“There have been too many times this season where we should have picked up points and haven’t done so”, claimed the Stirling gaffer.

“It means we’re now second bottom and that puts us under pressure.

“It’s still in our hands but we need to improve quickly.

“We thought we had a good result against Montrose and things were starting to turn around, then we lose the next three games.

“But it’s done and dusted, we’re not going to feel sorry for ourselves and we just need to come together.”