Stirling Albion boss takes pressure off side ahead of St Johnstone clash following punishing schedule

Darren Young admits his players are relishing the chance for some recovery this week after a punishing pre-season schedule.

The Binos squad has already racked up the minutes in a hectic early season which has seen them take part in a busy slate of friendlies before the Viaplay Cup group stage matches.

It has been a positive start for Stirling, with the side remaining unbeaten in 90 minutes so far throughout pre-season – a record kept going by the weekend’s 2-1 win over Stenhousemuir.

The win was sealed by a blistering start from the hosts, with goals by Dale Carrick and Aaron Dunsmore putting the Binos on easy street before a Matty Yates strike on the eve of half-time created some tension.

Following the win, the Stirling manager said: “It was a hard-fought game.

“I thought we should have been a couple more goals up to be honest.

“We went 2-0 up pretty early and we could’ve scored a few more and some of the football we produced was brilliant.

“The movement off the ball and the play was really good and then we just had one slack moment of concentration that cost us.

“We were on the attack and probably shouldn’t lose it. One ball over the top and Scouse [Adam Cummins] has mishit it when he’s tried to clear it, the guy has got a wee break and the guy has finished it by Blair.

“I was disappointed at half-time and the second half became a bit scrappy.

“We had a couple of chances and they had some close calls as well.

“The way we have been in this cup section, we’ve defended the box well which is great to see and is something the boys did well last season and they’ve continued that into this season.

“You could see the players getting tired and looking back with the friendlies, we’ve had Saturday-Tuesday games, so we’ve had a