Full focus is on Stranraer’s promotion push as they get ready for a crucial set of fixtures.
An assured victory over East Kilbride last weekend kept the Blues firmly in the hunt for at least a top four place.
That was then followed by the disappointment of confirmation that the club’s Scottish Cup adventure was at an end following the playing of an ineligible player in the win over Queen’s Park.
Stranraer face 15 contests between now and the end of the league season as they aim to make it a campaign to remember.
On Saturday, Kirk McKnight and team-mates travel to Stirling Albion looking to continue their fine form and make it one defeat in 13.
However, it would be fair to say Forthbank has not been the happiest of hunting grounds for the Blues in recent years.
McKnight said: “At Stirling, we seem to have most of the game but struggle to score there.
“We have had good performances at Forthbank but not really had the points to show for it.”
The 21-year-old was also quick to praise the attitude of manager Chris Aitken.
McKnight said: “He has always kept the boys positive, no matter what the outcome was.
“After hearing the news, he, obviously, got all of the boys up for it.
“He always keeps us positive and keeps us going for the next game.
“It is always the next game we focus on.
“We don’t really focus on the future, we just focus on what is coming up next.”
McKnight has featured in 21 games for Stranraer this season, splitting his time between right back and central midfield.
And he was keen to keep pulling on the jersey, even if it meant playing out of position.
He said: “I will do a job wherever I am needed, to be honest.
“Obviously, I would rather play centre mid but if I am needed at right back or anywhere, I will give it my best shot.
“I would be a decent goalkeeper!
“I have got good reflexes – I am wee bit of a cat, to be honest!”
Last meeting
Stranraer produced arguably one of their best performances of the season when they picked up three points at Stair Park.
An impressive performance from Stirling’s goalkeeper Robert Duffy saw the shotstopper keep the Blues out on multiple occasions.
Deryn Lang smashed home an opener from the edge of the box but the lead did not last long as Russell McLean glanced home a corner. Duffy then denied Lang a second before Dominic Plank hit the crossbar.
Stranraer would get back in front when Lang bundled home from close range after Aaron Quigg’s header across goal. The lead was extended further before the break as Scot Rough headed home from close range.
Quigg hit the crossbar after the interval but Stirling made for a nervy finish when Adam Brown netted direct from a corner near the end.
Stranraer: Lane, Ecrepont, Reid, Rough, Dunne (Docherty 74), Stuart (Hughes 89), Dolan, Quigg (McKnight 89), Plank (Russell 74), McManus (Hunter 80), Lang.
Not used: Coll, Sharp and Henderson.
Stirling Albion: Duffy, Hamilton (Kerr 31), Banner, Crane, McNab (K Thomson 80), C Thomson (Shanley 46), Carse, Cunningham (Knox 56), Hutchinson, Brown, McLean.
Not used: Campbell, Hodgkiss, Featherstone, Cannon and Gaston.
Last five meetings
- Stranraer 3 Stirling Albion 2 (Lang x2 and Rough; McLean and Brown) at Stair Park on December 6, 2025
- Stirling Albion 1 Stranraer 0 (Shanley) at Forthbank Stadium on August 30, 2025
- Stirling Albion 3 Stranraer 1 (McGeachie and Shanley x2; Dunlop) at Forthbank Stadium on April 12, 2025
- Stranraer 3 Stirling Albion 0 (McKnight, Dunlop and Foster) at Stair Park on February 22, 2025
- Stirling Albion 1 Stranraer 1 (Kerr; Russell) at Forthbank Stadium on December 21, 2024
Last five games
Stranraer
- WIN v East Kilbride (A): 0-2 (Dolan and Cleland)
- WIN v Queen’s Park (H): 1-1 (Stranraer win 6-5 on penalties) (Plank)
- LOSS v Ayr United (A): 4-1 (Hughes)
- DRAW v Forfar Athletic (A): 2-2 (Ecrepont and Lang)
- DRAW v Edinburgh City (H): 1-1 (Lang)
Stirling Albion
- WIN v Forfar Athletic (A): 0-1 (Shanley)
- LOSS v East Kilbride (H): 1-2 (Eadie)
- LOSS v Stenhousemuir (H): 1-2 (McLean (Pen))
- WIN v Edinburgh City (A): 1-4 (McLean x3 and Cunningham)
- WIN v Dumbarton (A): 1-2 (Shanley and Brown)
Last time out
Stranraer
Lineup v East Kilbride: Currie, Coll (Ecrepont 79), Reid, Rough, Dunne, Plank (Hunter 76), Quigg, Gillies, Dolan (Hughes 84), Lang (Russell 53), Cleland (O’Donnell 84).
Not used: Docherty, McKnight and Henderson.
Stirling Albion
Lineup v Forfar Athletic: Gaston, Hamilton, Banner, Crane, Campbell, Kerr, McNab, Carse, Hilson (Welsh 71), Brown, Shanley.
Not used: Thomson, Cunningham, Knox, Featherstone, Hutchinson, Cannon, McLean and Duffy.
Five facts
- Stirling Albion have won their last four games away from Forthbank Stadium and have not won in their last six at home – over 90 minutes. During that run, they did defeat Greenock Morton on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
- Ian Harty was the last Stranraer player to score a hat-trick at Forthbank Stadium. That came on December 18, 1999. Harty was joined on the scoresheet by Jamie Smith and Paul Ronald. John McQuade and Paul McGrillen found the net for the hosts. The Stranraer team that day was: McGeown, Black, Wright, Smith, Jenkins, Ramsay, MacDonald, Harty, Blaikie (Abbott 71), Ronald, Walker. Not used: Bell and Donnelly.
- Stranraer have played 36 games so far this season and defender Scot Rough is the only one to have featured in each of those games.
- James Dolan’s goal against East Kilbride last weekend, his fifth of the season, means he has matched his tally from his first spell at the club. He also has five assists – two fewer than his total from his last campaign.
- It would be fair to expect goals at Forthbank on Saturday afternoon. There has not been a goalless draw between Stirling Albion and Stranraer since 2004 and prior to that 1995.
Admission
Supporters can purchase tickets and find out more about visiting Forthbank via the home club’s ticketing platform.
Podcast
Check out the latest edition of Look Blues Talking for reaction to the Scottish FA hearing, a review of the Blues’ win at East Kilbride and a look ahead to this weekend’s trip to Stirling.
Coverage
If you’re further afield, follow our live matchday updates on X (formerly Twitter).
The manager’s post-match reaction will be available on YouTube following the game.
Club 1870 subscribers get a first look at the goals on Saturday night, along with full match footage.
Extended highlights will be available via YouTube on Sunday, with Laurence Nelson and Brian Martin on commentary.
Photos: Bill McCandlish, Colin Poultney (Collarge Images)
