Stirling prepare for latest capital clash with Binos squad stretched for Spartans

A trip to the capital awaits for Stirling Albion this weekend as they clash with the Spartans for only the third time in their history - and their first on the road since 2001.

The Binos head to Ainslie Park fresh off a painful defeat last time out against Peterhead where the table-topping Blue Toon pegged the hosts back from two down to consign Stirling to a first defeat in six.

That defeat - coupled with Bonnyrigg Rose’s win at home to Elgin - had cut Albion’s gap in fourth down to just two points.

But the Rose’s deduction of six points from the SPFL this week for a gradient on their New Dundas Park pitch means Stirling hold a four-point gap in fourth over one of the season’s surprise packages, Edinburgh City.

The sides’ first meeting in more than 20 years earlier this season saw Stirling come out on top at Forthbank courtesy of Ross Davidson’s superb free-kick.

Dougie Samuel’s outfit have enjoyed a sticky start to their campaign, which they began well-fancied to contend at the top end but currently sit six points behind the Binos in sixth.

However, there are still significant threats to be managed by Stirling including forwards Cammy Russell and veteran Blair Henderson, both of whom were on target in their 3-0 win at Forfar last time out.

The win broke up a winless run of eight games in all competitions stretching back to their previous encounter with the Loons in Edinburgh on September 14 where they edged out a single-goal victory.

Spartans’ season has been built on a solid defence, with only 13 goals conceded in League Two, behind only the top three in the division - but their tally of 12 in front of goal is worse than only Stranraer, Forfar and Clyde.

There will also be some concerns for Stirling boss Alan Maybury