Stirling Albion 1-0 East Fife, Saturday 1st March 2025, William Hill League 2, Forthbank Stadium
East Fife dropped points for the third week on the bounce as we were defeated 1-0 at Forthbank by Stirling Albion. Dale Hilson’s goal on the hour mark proved the difference between the two sides, with the defeat seeing East Fife’s lead at the top of the William Hill League 2 shrink to just one point.
East Fife had the first chance of the game inside the opening ten minutes, when Nathan Austin was brought down within twenty yards of the Stirling goal. Kallum Higginbotham stood over it and elected to drill his effort underneath the wall. It was slightly mishit however and was easily saved by Gaston in the end.
Stirling Albion’s defence suppressed East Fife’s attacking threat for the majority of the game, although it was never as apparent as in the first forty-five minutes, where East Fife could not break down the strong Bino’s backline. While the Fifers gained plenty of territory early doors, there was no real threat coming from the Methil Milan, and Stirling eventually worked their way out of danger, playing themselves into the game as the half progressed.
The sides went in goalless, although the hosts probably edged the first half, having the better of the chances.
The second half started as the first half finished, with Stirling Albion on the ascendency and, just before the hour mark, the hosts found themselves in front. Dale Hilson, who had been the problem man all afternoon, headed home for Alan Maybury’s men, and it was a deserved lead in all honesty, with the Fifers struggling to get out of the blocks after the restart.
Ten minutes after going behind, East Fife looked destined to pull back an equaliser. Andy Munro cannoned a header off the crossbar, before Brian Easton was bundled over in the penalty area as he contested the rebound. Alas, the referee did not give it, and Rob Jones’ subsequent volley was pushed away by Gaston.
As the game continued, an injury to Brian Easton saw Mamadou Bah make his East Fife debut, with the side reverting to a back three in an effort to get more men into advanced positions.
This did not go to plan, and East Fife were unable to break Stirling Albion down despite their best efforts, with Rob Jones heading just wide for the Fifers in the closing moments.
Reporter’s Man of the Match: Kieran Millar
A tough one to choose from Saturday, though Millar was always looking for a forward option when on the ball and breaking up the play when he was without it.
Stirling Albion – Gaston, McGeachie, Kerr, Grant, McNab, Carse, Waugh, Harkenss (Constable 73’), Crane, Hilson (Knox 90+6’), Shanley (Carrick 87’). Subs not used: Graham, Weir, Wright, Smith, Deveney.
East Fife – McFarlane, Newton, Easton (Peggie 76’), Norey (Bah 67’), Munro, Millar, McManus (Jones 67’), Trouten, Higginbotham (Healy 67’), McKenna, Austin (Shepherd 64’). Subs not used: Fleming, Nicol, Laaref, Murdoch.
Referee – Alastair Grieve
Attendance – 865
Report by Oli Anderson