Last Gasp Winner Gives Loons Points Cushion

Forfar Athletic 4 Stirling Albion 3

With the season's climax fast approaching, Stirling Albion arrived at Station Park in the knowledge that victory would lift them over Forfar and out of the drop zone. Defeat however, would see them trailing the Loons by 5 points. The event could have gone either way, a nervy, error stricken affair, or an exciting end to end battle. A seven goal thriller ensued.

The home side took control straight from the off. A poor defensive clearance only reached Dale Hilson, unfortunately the on-loan forward blazed over. Forfar continued to boss proceedings, and were rewarded when Kevin Motion found Nicky Low in space down the left flank, Low reached the bye-line before sending over a inch perfect cross for MARTYN FOTHERINGHAM to head down and past Reidford. Almost immediately the Loons doubled their lead, Low again did great build up work on the left, this time Templeman met his cross and guided the ball into the path of BRADLEY COYNE who powered home goal number two.
Forfar looked like they could score at ease. however their season long problem was still evident, they are vulnerable at the back. Graham Weir shrugged off McCulloch's challenge, perhaps too aggressively, and rolled the ball across the penalty box to allow KEVIN KELBIE the easiest of chances to side foot home. A disappointment, however the Loons restored their two goal advantage within sixty seconds with a candidate for "goal of the season". A cross from Hilson picked out CHRIS TEMPLEMAN who lofted a quality volley over the head of Rediford and into the corner of the net. This truly was a top class goal from one of the most skilful players to have ever pulled on a Forfar shirt.
Despite more pressure the Loons couldn't add to their tally, and were fortunate when goal scorer Kelbie skied over after good work down the wing by Darren Smith. But at half time, a 3-1 lead was most satisfactory.

The visitors made two changes at the break and were more of a force in the second half. That said, Forfar created the first chances of the half. A teasing Fotheringham cross was headed inches over by Shaughnessy, then "foxy" had an effort from 15 yards which flew narrowly over. But Stirling reduced the deficit in 63 minutes when the impressive Cook swung over a cross and DARREN SMITH netted from 10 yards.
As the match moved into the final quarter Forfar looked to have weathered the storm and Nicky Low saw his free kick sail wide as the Boss made three changes.  It was no doubt in most people's minds that Stirling had twice recently made come backs resulting in last minute equalisers against Forfar.  Surely it couldn't happen again ? When Darren Smith crossed over for MARK FERRY to head past Paterson with a great header it seemed lightning would indeed strike three times. But, up popped Kevin Byers with a low crisp effort from 20 yards which gave the Loons full points and more importantly a five point cushion over their opponents.

Match Report by Kevin Brown.