Stirling Albion secured a second consecutive KDM Evolution Trophy win with a 3-1 comeback victory over Airdrie at New Broomfield. Three second-half goals overturned a half-time deficit and moved the Binos to within touching distance of qualification after just two matches.
Slack defending costs Albion early
A drab first half saw the hosts take the lead on 28 minutes when poor defending from Albion allowed Liam McLeish to rifle into the bottom corner from 16 yards. Stirling made seven changes from the weekend league outing against Stranraer, with starts for young midfielder Robin Raine and winger Harry Wright among the key inclusions.
Airdrie threatened first when a fine cross-field pass laid in Robbie Mahon, but Robert Duffy made a good one-on-one stop. Stirling's first chance came via Lucas Fyfe's weak shot from an angle, easily gathered by Cade Melrose. Duffy was called into action two minutes from the break, making a fingertip save to push away Matty Yates' low drive.
Second-half surge turns the tie
Albion levelled with a landmark goal for Wright, who met a teasing cross from Fyfe with a side-footed volley - his first for the Binos after 29 appearances. Chances flowed at both ends, with Ali Gould making a big block from Kwame Boateng, and Billy Hutchison hacking a Devine cross off the goal line.
Sub Josh Mullin forced Melrose into a low save, then a ball forward was flicked on by Austin Laird into the path of fellow sub Jordan Allan, who drilled his shot powerfully beyond Melrose. The goal drew boos from the disgruntled home support, with AJ Bridge heading straight at Duffy from 12 yards.
Dobbie seals the turnaround
The game was decided a minute from stoppage time as Daniel Dobbie weaved away from a number of Airdrie tackles before curling a fine effort into the top corner. The win puts Stirling eighth in the league section as one of a group of sides with a perfect record so far, ahead of a home clash with Rangers B next time.
