Stirling Albion first quarter review: promising, but more goals and consistency needed

The second quarter of the League Two season for Stirling Albion kicks off this weekend, with managerless Clyde the visitors to Forthbank.

With the opening nine games of the season in the books, the Binos have enjoyed a broadly positive start to the campaign – racking up 15 points and sitting comfortably in fourth place in the early standings.

The Observer has taken a look at those opening nine games to assess some early trends of the season so far, some bright spots to offer hope – and some areas where Stirling will need to pick up as the winter months begin to kick in.

THE POSITIVES

After a tumultuous summer which saw Alan Maybury become the final manager installed into his position across the SPFL, the Stirling squad has undergone a rapid makeover, one which remains ongoing with the most recent arrival of winger James Graham.

But despite those challenges, some of those new arrivals have been quick to make an impact on the Binos squad.

Former Cove defender Josh Kerr – signed on the eve of the opening fixture at Edinburgh City – is one of just three Stirling players to have started every League Two match so far, impressing in the base of midfield as the Binos fought early injuries.

Another of those stalwarts in the side is keeper Derek Gaston, who has backed up his reputation with a strong start at Forthbank, racking up three clean sheets already as well as making the most saves with 35.

Adam Brown has also been a positive addition since his capture from Stenhousemuir, netting twice from his first six games with the club.

On a wider level, the Binos have enjoyed excellent early form on the road, boasting the division’s best away record with ten points of their 12 coming away from Forthbank.

The Albion defence has