Russell McLean almost capped a fine Stirling comeback in Kelty with a quality solo goal on Saturday, but the demanding striker was left ruing other missed chances instead.
The 28-year-old was Albion’s top scorer last season and took only until the second match of the League Two season to get underway this time around as he came on to spark a second-half revival from the visitors with a well-taken run and finish.
But it was all in vain as a last-gasp Robbie Cole strike ensured Kelty got off the mark for the season with the three points.
McLean's mixed feelings
McLean was happy with the way he took his goal, but reflected on other chances missed – as well as the options for boss Steven Whittaker in the forward areas.
He said: “I didn’t realise how far into the box I was when I hit it – my first thought was actually to get a cross in and then as I’ve hit the shot, I was on the penalty spot so it was the right choice.
“It was a good goal on my part, but I’m disappointed in the header where I should have scored as well but that’s me being critical and that’s where I want to be.”
McLean also praised the attacking depth, noting: “The gaffer has got choices, there are three quality options and you saw that last week with Lucas [Fyfe] and Nacho [Jordan Allan] and then the two of us today.
“I haven’t played much with Lucas yet, but always enjoy playing with Nacho because we’re always around each other on the pitch and it’s something we’ll be working on through the season.”
Resilience not enough
McLean reflected his manager’s frustrations at full-time over giving away the result – and insisted Stirling had enough chances to seal the match before the late concession.
“We need to come away with a point in those matches after coming back from 2-0 down,” he said.
“We should have won it to be honest, I’ve had a few chances, Nacho has had a few and we should’ve been ahead before they scored.
“It’s good to show the resilience, but the game has got away from us and we’ve been on the end of a sickener.
“They scored two good goals and they take their chances, to lose the game in that manner was a mistake from Andy but he knows that and we move on.”
Whittaker's view
The message of support was one echoed by Stirling boss Steven Whittaker – who called for his players to stand up to the physical test better after a tough match featuring some controversial calls.
Referee George Calder was under the microscope from the visitors, with former Stirling striker Ryan Shanley – scorer of Kelty's second – fortunate to escape major punishment for a wild challenge on Harry Wright.
Whittaker said: “We lost a couple of moments and duels, didn’t show the aggression I asked for which left Kelty with the chance to attack our goal.
“We defend those moments well enough, but away from the two goals, it was an even game really on a tight pitch with a lot of battles, scuffles and fouls; it was hard for the referee to keep control.
“There was nothing we were surprised about and we knew that was going to be the case, so it’s disappointing to give ourselves an uphill battle to climb.
“Russell gave us more of a target to play off in the second half and started to look more of a threat and we had nothing to lose, managed to get the game back to 2-2 and had some real momentum.
“The match could’ve went any way after that and the game got a little stretched, we weren’t connected and caused our own issues.
“Ultimately, the game is decided by Andy’s mistake and no one will be hurting more than him, but for me the match was lost in that opening 45 minutes.”
