Arbroath 3 Stirling Albion 2

Last updated : 07 May 2005 By Footymad Previewer
Relegated Arbroath got the better of Stirling in a thrilling five-goal match at Gayfield Park. It was the home side's third win over Albion this season, and if the Angus side had played like this more often, they may have avoided the drop.

Arbroath took the lead in the 25th minute when Stirling defender Paul Nugent failed to deal with an Alan Brazil cutback. The ball fell into the path of Kevin McMullen, who slammed it in off the back post.

Robert Dunn twice spurned good chances to bring Stirling back into the game before the interval, and a Doug Wilson goal-bound effort was cleared from under the bar by Jamie Bishop as the visitors came more into the game.

The visitors equalised, however, in the 50thminte, when Arbroath goalkeeper Neil Inglis's attempt to clear the ball hit Paul Di Giacomo, who rushed through to tap home for an easy goal.

Arbroath hit back almost immediately with substitute Steven Cook netting his first goal for the club after Gavin Swankie set him up with a perfect cross to the far post.

The Red Lichties went further ahead in the 65th minute and Swankie was again involved. The talented winger chipped the ball to Stuart MacDonald who crossed for Greig Henslee to celebrate his 100th appearance for Arbroath by grabbing his 11th goal of the season.

Douglas Wilson kept Stirling in the hunt when he pulled a goal back with 15 minutes to go, but Arbroath held on for the win.