Stirling Albion 5-1 Annan Athletic

Stirling Albion enjoyed a perfect start to the Third Division season as they hammered 10-man Annan at the Forthbank Stadium.

Goals from Scott Davieson, Graham Weir, Daniel Ashe, James Clark and Gavin McPherson did the damage for the relegated Binos before Graeme Bell netted a consolation for the Black and Golds.

Striker Davidson sidefooted the opener in the 16th minute before 19-year-old striker Graeme Ramage was dismissed following a clash with Mark Ferry 12 minutes later.

Weir's header from six yards doubled the lead just after the half-hour mark and Ashe quickly added a third with another close-range finish.

Clark connected with McPherson's pass to make it 4-0 at half-time before McPherson scored the goal of the game with a left-footed drive midway through the second period.

Substitute Bell reduced the deficit with a long-range shot 18 minutes from time.

Stirling : Filler, McGeachie (McSorley 69), Clark, Allison, Ashe, McCunnie, Gavin McPherson (McClune 69), Ferry, Weir, Coyne (Brass 46), Davidson. Subs Not Used: Cleland, Flood.

Goals : Davidson 16, Weir 31, Ashe 37, Clark 42, Gavin McPherson 67.

Annan : Alex Mitchell, Blake, McGowan, Chaplain, Thorburn, Sloan, McKechnie (Bell 46), Swinglehurst, Love (Steele 46), Daly (McGachie 70), Ramage. Subs Not Used: Summersgill, Jardine.

Sent Off : Ramage (28).

Goals : Bell 72.

Att : 519

Ref : Greg Aitken