Stirling striker says opening day brace could've been better as Binos start well
It was a strong start in Stirling colours for new marksman Russell McLean as his brace helped Stirling to a comfortable opening day win at Edinburgh City.
But the towering forward's high expectations were on show at full-time as he was left kicking himself about the chances that were left begging in a first half.
A pair of predatory finishes inside the opening 20 minutes — including showing real desire to nip in ahead of ex-Stirling keeper Mark Weir for the second — capped an impressive showing for the summer arrival.
He was left ruing later opportunities which came off the woodwork and saved by Weir in the half — but believes the exciting Binos forward line will have plenty of opportunities to repeat their goalscoring trick throughout the season.
After netting his double in the 2-1 win, McLean told the Observer: 'It actually could have gone better for me, I hit the post and missed a good chance so I'm pretty annoyed with myself not to get a hat-trick which would have just killed the game off and not had that last few minutes of panic there.
'If that game had finished seven or eight goals, then I don't think there could have been too many complaints.
'The pitch didn't help in terms of our play with it being so sticky, it kind of nullifies what some of the boys can do but you can see the opportunities that will be created for the strikers and it's up to us as a group to take them.'
There had been some uncertainty heading into the opening fixture after a pointless — and goalless — League Cup section, but McLean insisted that performances had been better than results showed and believes the Meadowbank showing will be more reflective of the group's potential.
They will aim to keep up their opening day momentum with their home curtain-raiser this weekend as Annan Athletic visit Forthbank in a clash of two sides who claimed three points in the first round of games.
McLean added: 'I think everybody that watched the League Cup would look at the results and say we've been hammered in those games, we played good teams and could have had results in a few of the games and we've been good in our performances.
'You were playing against full-time teams against whom you shouldn't get anything really.
'We've only been together a few months as a group but I think the squad the gaffer has built is a good one because most of us know each other and the strengths we have, we know we will all dig in for each other and you can see the quality we have with the chances we created today.'
Saturday's opponents Annan were involved in a much more nervous opening day match, with three goals scored in the stages of the game in a crazy 3-2 win over Elgin City, with Aidan Smith netting the clincher with just a minute left on the clock.
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