Stirling Albion slipped to a first defeat in five games as Kevin Smith’s late goal gave East Fife all three points on Saturday afternoon.

The Binos went into the game on the back of consecutive victories over Montrose and Queen’s Park but had no answer as Gary Naysmith’s side moved to the top of the League Two table, writes Jamie Hall. 

In truth the visitors could not have many complaints with the final result and they almost fell behind in the opening minutes, Chris Smith denying Jamie Insall with the first of a succession of stunning saves.

Lewis McLear could not keep his shot down when presented with Albion’s first chance of the game, before Smith was called into action again, this time keeping out a vicious effort from Kyle Wilkie.

The keeper had to be alert again in the second half to keep out the Fifers’ talisman Nathan Austin, before he made a crucial double-save to keep the scores level.

But the former Dunfermline stopper was powerless to prevent his namesake rising to head what would prove to be the only goal of the game with twelve minutes remaining.

The Binos went in search of an equaliser and Phil Johnston forced Liam Kelly into an excellent save with a powerful effort from distance, but the home side remained the more likely side to score and Wilkie and Austin both went close.

They were once again denied by Smith but at the other end, Albion could not find an equaliser and will now be hoping to get their promotion push back on track on Tuesday night when they host Clyde.

Stirling Albion: C. Smith, Johnston, Forsyth, Robertson, R. Smith, Buist (McMillan), Lamont (Mazel), McLear (Beattie), Doris, D. Smith, Dickson.