Stirling Albion boss Darren Young hailed his strikers for getting back in the goals – just in time for next week’s crunch top-of-the-table clash with Dumbarton.
Forwards Dale Carrick and Robert Thomson scored two of the goals in the Binos’ 3-1 weekend win against Stenhousemuir as the home side rounded off an excellent end to 2022 with another solid win.
They saw off the challenge of Saturday’s visitors after an even opening half at Forthbank, with Thomson in particular excellent against his former club.
Young praised his side’s display and insists the three points were a well-deserved Hogmanay boost for a composed display from back to front.
He said: “We felt it was an even game and we were getting the better of it at times in the first half.
“I don’t think there were many shots against us, the goal was a good bit of play from them. They got the ball into the box, Blair pushed the ball away and they’ve toe-poked it in.
“We started the game quite well and then from set pieces we put them under all sorts of pressure. We could have had two or three from those I felt.
“Jordan [McGregor] came in and apologised to the boys after the game because he feels as if he should have had a couple of goals himself.
“Davo [Ross Davidson]’s goal was a great strike and then the second was a good delivery as well.
“It was similar to the Elgin game second half, except this time we got the goal.
“Danny [Denholm]’s shot deflects into Dale’s path and he deserved it. He’s not scored for a few weeks. He got an assist for the first and then keeps working hard and gets his reward.
“It felt pretty comfortable for most of the half, they only really had the shot which hit the post on the break away and that was it really. We defended the box brilliantly and we had a real work ethic from front to back all day.”
Dumbarton had piled on the pressure with their 1-0 win in Coatbridge earlier that afternoon, but there were no signs of the Binos feeling the strain as the league’s top two continue to stretch clear from the rest.
But Young insists his side are looking forward to a big occasion next weekend – and warned they go into the clash full of confidence.
The boss added: “It was good for Thommo and Dale to get back into the goals and Thommo did brilliantly, knowing when to hold the play up, knowing when to bring it under control and play it around the corner for guys like Kai and Dale making those runs.
“The game on Saturday takes care of itself. We look forward to it because they are on a good run themselves and they are the team to catch.
“They have home advantage and I’m sure it will be a great game.”
