Accies 0 Stirling Albion 2: Monday, 27 December 1999

Report by George Grandison

Accies' miserable year drew to a close today with another depressing defeat at the hands of fellow strugglers Stirling. On a damp and very cold afternoon, in front of another paltry crowd, Accies gave their dwindling support nothing whatsoever to get excited about or even warm their hands with applause.

The surprise revelation about an injury crisis previously unheard of suggests that the wage payment rumours may be correct. Either way, it was an even more makeshift than usual team that lined up against the Beanos. No sign of Renicks, Nicky Henderson or David McFarlane and certainly no Ian Ferguson but Gordon Hunter reappeared at the back after a long unexplained absence and played well throughout. Long term injury victim and club captain Chris Hillcoat also appeared on the bench but wasn't used by master tactician Dawson.

Stirling included former Motherwell, Falkirk and Airdrie "star" Paul McGrillen and it wasn't long before the wee sh*tebag showed us that he had lost none of his ability to fall down by helping Eddie Cunnington into the ref's book. Incidentally, one of last summer's funniest newspaper reports was of McGrillen's "shock" free from Airdrie at the end of last season - he was quoted as saying that he felt he could do a job for a club at a higher level and was hoping a Premier League club might come in for him. Until Stirling's recent swoop, he was playing for East Fife. I'd love to tell you he had a stinker and was subbed but by a sad twist of fate he fired home an unsaveable shot from 20 yards for the clincher 9 minutes from time - maybe the dream move to Aberdeen is still on.

Accies actually started fairly brightly with Bill Davidson filling the Nicky Henderson skilful midfielder role. After 10 minutes Darren the Psycho fired in a great shot from the corner of the box that the Albion keeper saved well. A minute later and we went one behind as a cross from the left was misjudged and fell at the feet of veteran plodder Ally Graham. His shot beat Reid but was cleared off the line only to fall at the feet of ex-Accie John McQuade who rifled it into the roof of the net from 10 yards. Stirling then took control and created several chances all of which were blocked by saves from Chris Reid. Accies had a great escape 10 minutes from half time when a powerful shot from outside the box cannoned off the underside of the bar. Although the ball appeared not to have crossed the line, the far side ref's assistant's flag shot up but fortunately he was flagging for offside against Graham who was about to head in the rebound. A long range Henderson effort just past was all that Accies could muster.

For anyone interested, Fergie the Fan made a reappearance after his hospitalisation following a severe kicking. He's just as loud and annoying as ever. The half time entertainment was reserved for the half time scores which were read out by a young lad who sounded about 10 years old - no harm to the kid in question, but just how low can this club of ours sink? Judging by his efforts at announcing the subs, when he grows up there's a job waiting for him doing the train info at Glasgow Central.

Anyway, things improved marginally after the break but it was hard to get enthusiastic when there was so little skill or imagination on show. Davidson had a good shot from 30 yards out and Henderson created a chance for himself but shot weakly having beaten the last defender. Lanky defender Paul Gaughan produced the best (and unlikeliest) bit of skill of the day, selling Albion's right sided midfielder an outrageous dummy before chipping a great pass over the defence leading to a series of (fruitless) corners. The previously anonymous Martin Bonnar confirmed he had been on the pitch all day by firing just over from the edge of the box before our chum McGrillen made the game safe on 81 minutes. Dawson's reaction was to take off the skilful Davidson and throw on another youngster who's name I didn't catch - it may have been the 4.30 to Neilston but I'm not sure.

Pass marks to Gordon Hunter, who I thought had an excellent game after a long break, Davidson, Cunnington and Gaughan. Up front, McCormick and Michael Moore looked more suited to the juniors - which shouldn't be too far away. Things are so bad in that department that we would actually improve by having Ally Graham in the side - I never, ever thought I would say that but we really are that bad. I'd like to think that 2000 can't be any worse than 1999 but with the club's very existence hanging by a thread I'd rather not think about it. Happy New Year!

Accies: Reid; Martin; Cunnington; Hunter; Gaughan; Thomson (sub McAulay 46); Bonnar; Davidson(sub Unknown 81); Moore; McCormick; D Henderson. Sub not used: Hillcoat.

- Read the fans' memories, or add your own, via this link.

- Please contact us if you have any information that will improve this page or if you spot any mistakes.

Images

Videos

Links and References