Stirling Albion vs East Fife preview - Stirling handed double suspension boost

Posted Saturday, August 06, 2011 by PA

Stirling manager Jocky Scott will be able to call upon goalkeeper Sam Filler and midfielder Shaun Fagan as they start life in the Second Division against promotion dark horses East Fife.

The duo were both dismissed against Airdrie last Saturday in the Scottish Communities League Cup, however their bans will be served in that competition and not in league format.

Scott may however make changes with former Motherwell winger Darren Smith in line to start, as the Albion boss explained: "We had done well at Deveronvale so I kept the same side but I will try something different in this one.

"East Fife will be a real test as they have been going well in pre-season and have won both their cup ties. In saying that it is more important what we do."

East Fife welcome back striker Stevie Hyslop to their ranks.

Hyslop's presence following summer knee surgery is the only piece of good news for manager John Robertson who will be missing Scott Durie through suspension and the unavailable trio of Andy Cook, Darren Smith and David White.

Robertson said: "We are down to the bare bones but at least Stevie will be keeping the strikers on their toes."

And the Fifers boss is not reading anything into Stirling's 5-0 reverse last Saturday, adding: "That game was very tight for half an hour and I have a lot of respect for Jocky Scott and John Blackley so I know we cannot just turn up and win."