Stirling Albion 3 Greenock Morton 1

Last updated : 18 February 2006 By Footymad Previewer

Stirling maintained their superb recent run of form with a thoroughly deserved success over a Morton side who had lost just one of their previous eight visits to Forthbank.

Chances were few in an even first half, but Albion upped the pace after the break and secured their 11th win in the last 13 Division Two games to keep up the pressure on fourth-placed Peterhead.

Stirling suffered a blow inside the first minute when right-back Paul Nugent was stretchered off, but they recovered from that setback and took the lead after 35 minutes when Steven Bell headed in Chris Aitken's in-swinging free-kick.

John Adam came close to equalising before Alex Walker levelled in first-half stoppage time, netting at the far post after home keeper Myles Hogarth had failed to deal with Scott McLaughlin's corner.

Albion made a storming start to the second half, and David McGurn denied midfield duo Bell and Aitken before the latter swept home a Dougie Wilson cross from the right to restore Stirling's advantage.

Morton didn't learn their lesson and Wilson again found space on the right to set up David O'Brien, who plundered the third goal from close range after 65 minutes.

The visitors never looked like saving the game, and only a late save from McGurn prevented substitute Robert Dunn from adding a fourth goal on a day when Morton gaffer Jim McInally admitted that Stirling were well worth their victory.