Stirling defender says first professional goal just the start as Binos claim vital Elgin win

Marauding defender Jack Harkness believes his role on the Stirling right is a perfect fit — and put the Binos fans on notice that he plans his first goal for the club to not be his last.

The Rangers loanee got on the end of a cross from opposite wing-back Callum Crane to give Stirling a crucial two-goal cushion against Elgin on Saturday, helping secure an important bounce-back three points against the promotion play-off contenders.

His goal was part of a quickfire first-half double from the home side after Dale Hilson had nodded in from close range to make his return to the side.

The visitors then blew a vital opportunity with Russell Dingwall’s spot kick and were punished when Adam Brown added to his personal goal-of-the-season category with a 25-yard curler.

A late Elgin consolation elicited some nervous looks - but the home side held on to move back up into fifth in the league table.

Harkness, 20, netted against Bo’ness United for Rangers B during their time in the Lowland League, but his composed goal was his first in the SPFL ranks.

He said after the match: “I feel it’s been getting closer and closer over the recent games so I’m buzzing with that to get involved and that it’s finally happened.

“I think it’s a role that suits me because I’m quite attacking as a player and I get up and down the pitch.

“We get a lot of success with Callum and me getting forward from the full-back spots; I remember we scored against Peterhead like that, so if we play the style of play that we’re meant to play then we’ll get our fair share of results.”

Man-of-the-match Harkness also touched on the Binos’ inconsistency all season and the importance of delivering in front of the home fans after being booed off following midweek defeat to