STIRLING Albion passed up the chance to make it three wins from three over Montrose this season as they were held 0-0 at Links Park on Saturday.

It was the Binos’ first goalless stalemate since the game with Rangers at Ibrox last March, and means Greig McDonald’s men have lost just one of the last six matches, with three of them being draws.

The result keeps the side fourth in the table as the players look forward to back-to-back home games against leaders Peterhead and Albion Rovers.

Albion made three changes to the line-up that started the 1-1 draw against Annan at Forthbank last weekend, with Ross Forsyth back after a one-match ban, Craig Comrie handed a first start and David Weatherston replacing the injured Phil Johnston as Danny Ashe and Blair Munn dropped to the bench.

Midfielder Darren Smith was also among the subs after signing from Arbroath on Friday and he made his debut with 13 minutes left, impressing in what was a brief outing.

Montrose hadn’t won at home since November but were boosted by a 3-2 victory at Elgin last time out and it was perhaps no surprise that the game ended in a draw.

Both teams had their moments but neither keeper was over-worked.

Recent recruit Mick O’Byrne came close with a first-half header that hit the outside of the post and Montrose also struck the woodwork before the break.

A number of corners failed to bear fruit at either end while Jordan White just failed to get on the end of a Forsyth cross.

Manager Greig McDonald said: “Both sets of players deserve credit but on balance I thought we were the better team, without creating as many chances as we would have liked. We played some nice stuff and it was just our final pass that let us down at times.

“Defensively we were excellent and we are pleased with a clean sheet. David Crawford only had one save of note and that came from a 40 yard free-kick in the second half.

Montrose: McKenzie, Crawford, McIntosh, Campbell, Wood, Masson, Webster (Ferguson 73), Watson, Johnston, Deasley, Reid.

Subs (not used): Duguid, Wilson, McCord, Gray, Sturrock, Trialist (GK).

Stirling Albion: Crawford, McClune (Ashe 59), Forsyth, Comrie, Bishop, O’Byrne, Weatherston (Day 81), Fulton, White, Cunningham (Smith 77), Weir.

Subs (not used): McGeachie, Munn, Boyle, Reidford (GK)