Stirling Albion manager Darren Young hailed his players after they beat play-off chasing Forfar Athletic 1-0 at Station Park on Saturday.
The Binos followed up their 2-1 midweek win over Cowdenbeath with another three points, thanks to a 32nd-minute goal from Akeel Francis – the striker’s first goal for the club.
The play-offs look out of reach but Stirling have at least got back on track after a miserable run of one win in 17 matches in cinch League 2 and can now look forward to three home games in a week.
Albion welcome in-form Annan Athletic to Forthbank on Saturday then host struggling Albion Rovers in a rearranged fixture on Tuesday, March 22, before Stranraer visit on Saturday, March 26.
Annan have won five of their last six league matches and are looking good to finish in second place while leaders Kelty Hearts could clinch the title as early as this weekend if they beat Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill tonight (Wednesday) and Elgin City on Saturday and Annan drop points at Forthbank.
It was a real team effort by the injury-hit Binos at Forfar and they were well worth the victory against Gary Irvine’s team, which sees them 14 points clear of bottom club Cowdenbeath.
Young, who should have defender Jordan McGregor available after suspension this weekend, played a back three at Station Park and his side limited the Loons to only a handful of opportunities.
He said: “It was a tremendous effort from the players. It’s been a long, hard week for the boys – they had to play with 10 men for a lot of the game last weekend then we had the midweek match against Cowdenbeath when we managed to get the win and I’m delighted with this result.
“We were very solid at the back – Martin McNiff, Ross McGeachie and Aaron Dunsmore did great and so did Nathan Flanagan and Kieran Moore as wing-backs. We managed to get the clean sheet, which we have not had many of. Forfar put a lot of crosses into the box in the second half but we dealt with them and I couldn’t have asked for any more from the players.
“I thought we were excellent in the first half and the only complaint if you’re being super critical is that we didn’t get another goal or two because we had the opportunities. We spoke about winning the ball high up the park and the goal we scored was a good example of that.”
Former Falkirk forward Francis made his debut in the 3-3 draw at Stranraer on January 15 but hadn’t managed to find the net until Saturday, when he coolly converted following a Jack Leitch assist.
Young added: “It was a great touch and a quality finish from Akeel. He maybe took time to find his feet when he came to the club but I thought Tuesday against Cowdenbeath was his best game for us so far then on Saturday he was better again. He has worked hard and got his reward."
