Lightning doesn't strike twice against Stirling Albion

And a few of the Forthbank officials who arrived at Yarrow Park on Saturday had their tales to tell about the infamous encounter.

With a recent influx of semi-professional players in Steve Forrest’s squad, and Stirling’s decision to feature mainly trialists, there was an opportunity to finally exorcise the December 8, 1984, demons.

But the half dozen French players now living in Selkirk had only arrived in the early hours of the morning due to delayed flights because of lightning storms.

And, arguably, the best of all, Under 20 international Floran Moulet, didn’t touch down in Edinburgh until the final whistle had been blown.

Selkirk still played well – and could easily have been three or four up inside the opening quarter hour.

But they were hit with three counter attacks in the first half and conceded three goals.

Selkirk manager Steve Forrest told us: “Losing goals is never good but that was still the best footballing performance I’ve had from a team since coming to Selkirk.

“We had just as many – probably more – chances than they did but we couldn’t find the net.

“The French boys did well considering they’ve only stepped off a plane.

“These games are more about the performance than the result and I’m happy with the performance.” The manager would have been a lot happier if any of his strikers could have given his team a deserved lead in the opening 15 minutes.

Within 90 seconds of kick off Benjamin Huteau tore down the left wing to cut the ball back for John McInally, but the former Raith Rovers player’s shot was deflected inches past the post.

Phil Addison, Ouzy See and Sean Guiney all went just as close as Stirling Albion’s defence looked shaky.

But on 20 minutes, with almost their first attack, Greig McDonald’s League One side took the lead. Jordain Orain clumsily challenged Greg Hunt and a penalty was awarded - Sandy Cunningham scored his first of three from the spot.

Huteau squandered a great chance to equalise before the half hour as he fired over from 12 yards out.

Just two minutes later See raced through with only Callum Reidford to beat but the keeper pulled off a terrific reflex save to tip the shot round the post.

Addison headed the resultant corner inches past the far post. It looked like it was only a matter of time before the Souters would draw level – but they were soon three down.

On 39 minutes Chris Paton collected a long ball and finished well with a powerful, low shot.

And with the final move of the half, Paton took advantage of some hesitant defending to round keeper Jamie Newman, only for the eye-catching Yohann Becharia to back track and bring him down. Cunningham yet again made no mistake from the penalty spot.

Selkirk were finally rewarded for their efforts approaching the hour.

Teenager See was chopped down as he charged into the area and Daryl Johnston hit the net from the penalty spot.

Just eight minutes later Addison weaved his way towards the box and squared for See to rifle a fantastic low shot into the far corner to make it 3-2.

But the Forthbank team were to finish the strongest.

A late goal from Ross McGeachie and Cunningham’s third penalty made it 5-2.

Forrest added: “I thought the scoreline flattered them. We tired towards the end which gave them a few chances but otherwise I thought we were every bit as good.

“There is a lot for us to build on. We have the bulk of these players in full time which allows us to work on our shape and keeping possession better.” Selkirk: J Newman, Y Becharia, C Handren, S Guiney, J Orain, D Johnston, J Tonelle, B Huteau, O See, J McInally & P Addison. Subs A Bal, R Scott, B Milven, S Anderson, Y Lamghari & F Moulet.

Stirling Albion: C Reidford, R McRachie, R Boyle, S Davidson, M McCulloch, D Grant, L Hamilton, B Munn, G Hurst, S Cunningham & C Paton. Subs D Bevins, T McAllister, J Sinclair, S Russell, S Robertson & G McDonald.