Stirling Albion manager Darren Young praised his players for getting the better of Stranraer at Forthbank on Saturday.
A first goal for the club from on-loan East Fife defender Aaron Dunsmore proved decisive as the Binos edged out Jamie Hamill’s men 1-0 following home defeats to Annan Athletic and Albion Rovers.
Young said afterwards: “It was a bit of a scrappy affair and either team could have won it so it’s great to get over the line and I’m delighted for the players and the fans.
“We had been talking in training about the importance of following things in and that’s what Aaron did for the goal and got a break of the ball. He scored a few goals at East Fife and he has that in his locker.
“It was good to have Mason Hancock back from injury because we thought we had lost him for the season.
“He showed again how good a player he is and he also has a great attitude. Jack Leitch coming back gave us a bit more creativity but it was a real team effort.
“We’ve probably played better and lost games since I came to the club so it was good to scrap that one out.
“When we scored the goal, it gave us confidence and Kieran Moore had a chance to get a goal right at the end but he was absolutely shattered by then and he does everything for the team.
“We lost Jordan McGregor early on and that’s been the story in the last few months – we seem to be missing players due to injury, Covid, suspensions, or all three but we just need to deal with it.
“That’s us two points behind Stranraer so we have a chance to go above them at the weekend when we play Cowdenbeath and that’s what we need to aim for and see where it takes us.”
Next up for Albion is a trip to Central Park. The Blue Brazil look almost certain to be involved in the pyramid play-off against Lowland League champions Bonnyrigg Rose or the Highland League winners – likely to be Fraserburgh or Buckie Thistle.
The Binos won 2-1 when the sides met at Forthbank last month but were beaten 1-0 on their last visit to Central Park in December.
Stirling are back in Fife the following Saturday to face Kelty Hearts – who sealed the cinch League Two title on Saturday.
Top scorer Dylan Mackin will again miss out this weekend due to suspension while Ray Grant, Paul McLean and Dale Carrick were all sidelined for the victory over Stranraer and McGregor hobbled off injured after only 10 minutes. His fitness will be monitored over the coming days.
