Annan Athletic are celebrating the latest landmark in their rise after securing a dramatic Scottish League One survival.

A 1-1 draw at Stirling Albion was enough for Peter Murphy’s side to retain their place in the third tier.

Benjamin Luissint’s early goal enabled Annan to hold off a Stirling fightback, the hosts unable to add to Josh McPake’s equaliser.

The result – greeted by a pitch invasion at Forthbank by jubilant travelling fans – means Stirling face the play-offs to fight for survival – while Annan can look forward to a second season in League One.

Manager Murphy, in his seventh season in charge, oversaw an impressive revival in the second half of the season.

Annan were well adrift in ninth place but seven wins since late January – including a closing spell which saw just one defeat in ten games – saw them stage a great recovery.

After closing down Stirling in the table they managed to overtake the Binos and held a crucial advantage heading into Saturday’s final-day showdown.

Manager Murphy expressed sympathy for Annan’s rivals but also praised his side’s terrific recent form as they booked another season in the third tier.

Speaking in a club interview, the former Carlisle United favourite said: “I feel really sorry for Stirling.

“They did enough to probably win a game but ran into a defence that didn’t want to give up a goal – although we did concede one – and [goalkeeper] Greg Fleming was absolutely outstanding behind them.

“The last quarter we’ve had has been absolutely outstanding. The players deserve all the credit.

“[In Saturday’s game] I don’t think tactics were a thing – it was going to be pure emotion and it ended up that way.

“The togetherness we’ve showed in those last nine games showed up – we managed to withstand a really tough barrage of shots, crosses and possession and got through it.

“I’m delighted for the club, players, staff, the fans who came in their numbers, I’m delighted we’ve stayed in the division, but we need to be better next season.”

A number of Cumbrians and ex-Carlisle United players were in the Annan ranks as they claimed their crucial point.

Fleming, Matty Douglas and Josh Galloway were in the starting XI while Kai Nugent came off the bench, with Josh Dixon and Steven Swinglehurst also on the bench.

The squad celebrated on a jubilant coach home before celebrations continued back at Galabank.

For midfield man Luissint, meanwhile, it was another key goal at the business end of the season, after the 25-year-old’s second-leg brace against Clyde earned play-off final glory against Clyde last May.