Jim looks on bright side after defeat

East Stirling2

Montrose3

EAST Stirling manager Jim McInally was trying to stay positive as his side’s poor league run showed no sign of ending against bottom team Montrose.

The one-time title Third Division challengers has now lost six of its last eight games and should have been well-beaten by Steven Tweed’s side.

But missed chances for the visitors, who had taken a 2-0 half-time advantage, almost cost them as Shire staged a second-half comeback.

In the end Montrose were left clinging on grimly for the three points their overall performance merited.

McInally said: “At least we didn’t throw in the towel.

“In some of the other games this season when we went behind we just kind of accepted it, but the response we got from the players in the second half was good.”

John Gemmell put Montrose ahead when he blasted a free kick through a poorly constructed defensive wall.

Six minutes later there was further reward for their adventure. Teenage full back Aaron Sinclair outmuscled opposite number Craig Donaldson in the box and then fired a low shot that beat Shire keeper Jamie Barclay at his near post.

East Stirling pulled a goal back through Jamie Stevenson’s 25-yard volley, but with the home side pushing for an equaliser, they were caught as Daryl Nicol converted Gemmell’s cross.

Stevenson scored from the penalty spot on 80 minutes after a foul on Dean Richardson to ensure a tense finish but Montrose hung on.

Nicol said: “We've hit some form and showing signs we're turning the corner.

“We were well worth our win even though East Stirling put us under a lot of pressure towards the end of the game."

Gable Endies assistant manager Jim Moffat added: “We showed a lot of character – especially after Shire pulled it back in the second half.”