Manager Peter Murphy has called for Annan Athletic to battle through their current injury crisis.

With frontman Christian Nade, Hamilton loanee Niyah Joseph, Carlisle lads Steve Swinglehurst and Owen Moxon, as well as centre-back Ayrton Sonkur all sidelined, the Galabankies fought to a goalless draw with Stirling Albion on Saturday.

Dylan Mackin had the best chance of the Scottish League Two clash, only for the ex-Motherwell and Falkirk man to drag his first-half penalty wide of the post with Annan’s trialist goalkeeper - understood to be ex-Stirling man Chris Smith - between the sticks, with Aaran Taylor on the bench.

"I think it was just a hard-fought game, [with] two teams going for it," said Murphy.

"In the second half, it got a bit open. I suppose the game hinges on that penalty miss.

"I was looking for a reaction from my boys after the Edinburgh defeat [having lost 4-0 at Ainslie Park], and I got that in the way we battled and played. But we need to be better on the ball in the way we create stuff.

"I would say Stirling, who have missed a penalty, will probably think they should get the win, but I think that [the penalty] was their only real clear-cut chance.

"There was an opportunity right at the end, where Kyle Bradley throws his body on the line and the ball goes over the top, which I think is great defending. It shows my team is putting their bodies on the line to try and get a point."

Youngster Harry Emmerson came off the bench and impressed at Galabank.

“I was delighted with Harry Emmerson when he came on,” Murphy said.

“Broque Watson did really well, as well, and unfortunately with his best run of the game, he gets injured and has to come off, just when he is getting a bit more space.

"Tommy Muir picked up an injury and we already have a few boys out, so it’s a case of trying to get through this period to try to come out the other side stronger.”

Nevertheless, Annan remain fifth in the league, ahead of Saturday’s trip to leaders Cove Rangers.

“Stirling have a good squad, a very big squad, and their whole squad is made up of players who have played in this league,” Murphy added.

“If we can get our team to work really well together, and try to add some quality, hopefully, we will be alright.”