Stirling Albion manager Stuart McLaren could not hide his disappointment after his side’s defeat to Berwick Rangers at Forthbank, writes Jamie Hall.

The Binos conceded two goals in as many minutes just before half time, before Berwick added a third in the second half. Willie Robertson scored a consolation for the home side late on.

And the Albion boss admitted his side must improve their defensive record if they are to have any chance of promotion come the end of the season.

McLaren told Stirling News Sport: “We are very disappointed with our performance. The players agree that they fell well below the standard they are capable of. But the first goal is crucial.

“Ross McMillan has had a great header saved and then Sean Dickson has had a good chance, and I am certain that if we had scored the first goal the complexion of the game is completely different.

“We conceded the first goal, which we should have done better with, but there is an element of bad fortune about it. It’s our reaction after that which is disappointing.

“We are striving really hard to be good at all facets of the game but we need to start keeping clean sheets. To concede one is disappointing because we could have done better but after that you are hoping we can go in at half time 1-0 down so we can talk about things and get them sorted. So for the second goal to come so quickly is disappointing.” The Binos lost Craig Beattie and Phil Johnston to injury on what was a dismal afternoon at Forthbank, but McLaren was delighted with the performance of Conor McKenzie, who replaced Johnston.

He said: “Unfortunately Craig has aggravated something with his hamstring, while Phil has twisted his knee. It’s unfortunate but you can’t legislate for it. We had a couple of options to replace Phil and I felt that Conor has earned the right to have a shot in the first team.

“He certainly did not let us down. He has tremendous ability and I was happy with the fact he was keen to get on the ball in difficult circumstances. I am encouraged with the Under-20s group we have. I’m confident that if they get their opportunity, they will not let us down.” McLaren also revealed that Jon Paul McGovern had hinted that he was unhappy at the club, a move which led to the midfielder being left out of the squad.

He said: “Jon Paul spoke to me earlier in the week and voiced some issues. He said he was unhappy with a few minor things around the club and made it clear to us that he wasn’t going to be committed to play at this moment in time.

“It came as a shock, because every single other member of the squad feels nothing but happy with the environment here. It is a situation we could have done without but it is outwith our control, and the supporters deserve everyone who goes out there in a Stirling Albion top to be fully committed.” The Binos travel to Elgin on Saturday, and McLaren hopes his side can finally kick-start their campaign with a win at Borough Briggs.

He added: “It would be nice to go and win next week against Elgin and get things up and running. The longer time goes on, the more of a head start you give teams, but we’re certainly not panicking.

“We are three games in out of 36. We know that we have the quality in there and the lads know themselves that they are capable of making up for it through the season.”