Thursday, February 28, 2008

Stirling Albion 1 Dundee 6, Annfield, 23/Feb/08

DUNDEE hit relegation strugglers Stirling Albion for six with a clinical performance which underlined the Taysiders' championship credentials.The visitors took the lead in the 14th minute when Paul McHale's cross, which seemed destined for the arms of goalkeeper Myles Hogarth, brushed off the head of defender Alan Lithgow and into the path of Antoine-Curier, and with the goal at his mercy, the French striker swept the ball into the net for his third goal in three games.Not for the first time this season, Stirling's frailties at the back saw them come unstuck and the situation became worse as Dundee stretched their advantage nine minutes before the break.Hogarth could only palm away Antoine-Curier's drive and Colin McMenamin was perfectly placed to finish the job from close in.Stirling almost pulled one back two minutes after the break but were unlucky as Chris Aitken's 35-yarder came off the underside of the bar and was then headed over by David McKenna.Stirling were to pay dearly and Dundee made it 3-0, Antoine-Curier's clip at goal coming off Laurie Ellis.Antoine-Curier inflicted more damage, leaping up to head in McMenamin's cross from the left and substitute Bob Davidson's bundled drive increased their lead to 5-0.But there was a crumb of consolation for Stirling as sub Colin Cramb tucked away an Aitken corner before Derek Lyle's header completed the rout. A massive result for Dundee, it sets up next Saturdays home game against St.Johnstone..Antoine-Curier took the match ball..so it's looks like it was his goal..