The rough and tumble of League Two is a tough school – but Stirling Albion midfielder Ricky Waugh insists he’s loving it as he helps keep the Binos’ unbeaten run on track.
The on-loan Queen’s Park midfielder has been one of several standout young players performing well for Alan Maybury’s charges as they have knitted together a run of five matches without defeat in all competitions.
The 19-year-old played the full 90 against League Two leaders East Fife at Bayview last weekend – and was inches away from notching a dramatic stoppage time winner when his goalbound shot was superbly tipped around the post by Fifers keeper Liam McFarlane.
And Waugh believes the goal would have been a deserved reward for a top Binos performance on the day.
“I thought it was in, as soon as I saw it coming in and I connected with it – I was away celebrating,” he said.
“I think he’s seen it late and managed to touch it around the post and honestly, I was devastated, a few of the boys were off celebrating as well.
“Coming here, no matter what the form is of the two teams, is always a tough game.
“They’re the league leaders, but we’re on a good run of form just now so we fancied our chances and I actually think we were unlucky not to come away with the three points with the performance put in by the boys.”
The teenager arrived with a big reputation as the captain of the Hampden club’s reserve side and has performed well in an engine room which includes experienced names such as Josh Kerr and Ross Davidson.
Saturday already marked his 16th appearance in the red and white of Stirling and he already has a winning goal to his name in the 2-1 success against Forfar last month.
“It’s been amazing and a really good experience at the club. The boys have helped me quite a lot, it’s not easy coming to a new team, playing with the first 11 so I just need to make sure I step up to the challenge”, Waugh reflected.
“It’s all about gaining that experience and it’s a learning curve for me coming to somewhere like this where it’s not a pretty game so it’s important that I play in these type of games.”
He’ll be hoping to keep up the positive momentum alongside his teammates as the challenges keep coming – starting with the visit of third-placed Peterhead to Forthbank tomorrow.
The sides’ meeting earlier this season saw Stirling claw their way back into the match courtesy of an Adam Brown free kick before veteran Rory McAllister popped up a trademark late goal to secure a 2-1 win for the Blue Toon.