Rave On Line Fanzine - Issue 2 - Annfield Albion v Forthbank Binos

It was a day when no Albion fan could lose, grand-dad’s, fathers and uncles of a certain age were in the east stand and north terracing with the younger generation filling the west stand and south terracing.

It was a glorious day for football, sun beating down and not a cloud in the sky. By some miracle of medicine the Annfield team looked no older than when they first appeared at the old ground.

Referee Collina called the two captains to the centre, Matt McPhee for the Annfield side and George Rowe for Forthbank. Rowe won the toss and elected to attack the Wallace Monument end.

BBC and ITV had tried to get broadcasting rights but the club stuck by the loyal web team and awarded them exclusive coverage. Large plasma TV screens were installed behind both stands for those fans unable to get a ticket. Police estimated that around 8,000 people were inside and outside the stadium.

What a breathtaking start by both teams, the game was living up to expectations. The fans were already in competition to see who could sing the loudest. John B was giving “Rave On” laldy on the guitar with the Fothbank choir in full voice, the Annfield fans warmly applauded their young counterparts then, led by Bryce Morgan, gave an emotional rendition of the Albion anthem, ”Hullo, Hullo have you heard right about the boys in Red and White?”

I swore I could see Mickey Lawson singing along!

With ten minutes on the clock Forthbank took the lead, another good throw out by Turner, was gathered by Nugent, the young number two made great progress up the right wing and his cross ball was swept into the net by Tom Tait. A wonderful goal that was applauded by all inside the stadium. It was strange to see all the supporters at a game smiling!

How good it was to see big Ronnie McQuilter in the true colours, during the odd quiet moment he entertained the faithful by “doing the Ronnie!” Steve McCormick was in his element back at the ground where he strutted his stuff in 95/96. The Binos were soon on the attack again, Obrie was full of running on the left wing and skilfully nut-megged Caldow, his teasing cross was steered home by Alex Bone to put the Binos ahead in 40 minutes.

Stadium announcer Alan McAndrew entertained the crowd with a selection of Stirling favourites – it was hilarious to see almost 4,000 do the Slosh to “Beautiful Sunday”

As the teams came out for the second half, the managers had made a couple of changes: the Binos brought on the Paterson “twins” Gary and Andy replacing Nugent and McQuilter. Gary obliged the fans by showing his famous hand gesture. The Albion replaced Hughes and McPhee with Lawson and Colquhoun. All four were given standing ovations.

The game was end to end with the Albion striving to get back on level terms. They did not have to wait too long, a long clearance down the middle found Colquhoun in the clear, he interpassed well with Lawson and his squared ball was curled into the bottom corner by Henry Hall.

Mid way through the second half both teams made ‘keeper changes, for the Binos Chris Reid came on for Turner and George (the cat) Young replaced Mark McGeown. Stirling has always had a good choice of goalies.

Young was soon in action getting down low to save a great free kick from Andy Paterson. For the first time the Albion took the lead, in the 75^th minute, Drew Rogerson punted a long ball into the box and Peebles caught it on the volley, it was in the net before Reid could react. All the players stood to watch the action replay on the big screens and everyone in the ground warmly applauded wee George.

Williams was applauded on to the park, something he thought would never happen again, well it wasn’t a day for recrimination! The entire crowd were singing in unison now, “Twist and Shout” was belted out with the fans in great voice; Peter McKenzie was conducting the choir from his comfy seat.

With 5 minutes to go Collina awarded the Binos a penalty, Williams fell in the box after a hefty challenge from Schaedler, Nicholas grabbed the ball but Andy Paterson pulled rank and placed the ball on the spot, despite Young guessing the right way, the shot was too powerful and the Binos were back level.

What a great game and experience, the fans refused to leave the ground until a couple of laps of honour were completed. Each player threw his strip into the crowd and thirty-two fans went home with a great souvenir of a memorable day.

Who were the better team? I leave it for you to decide. One thing I am sure of, take any 20 from the 32 players on display and I’m confident we would hold our own in the SPL Division One.

Did the game really take place? I have vivid recollections of it following a good night out at the Player of the Year at McCues on Friday 16th May!