Saints had just managed to see off a takeover bid from businessman Reg Brealey, who many suspected had unsavoury plans in store for the club. The current board had just taken over, but there was still the problem of on the pitch matters. Taking the plunge to the second division would have been a disaster.
We were in terrible form. The week before Stirling, we played Airdrieonians and Mark Yardley missed a penalty as we lost 1-0. The big striker was dropped for the Stirling game as the team was given a shake-up. Hugh Murray was surprisingly given the number 11 shirt - one of the few times he hasn't worn 7.
The Saints fans easily outnumbered the Stirling support, with the away stand and the small piece of terracing behind one of the goals packed with fans. Early in the second half, Shuggy smacked a shot into the net behind which the Saints fans were congregated, with many running onto the pitch. The remainder of the half seemed like hours before the final whistle finally went. The first battle had been won.
No one really knew it then, but we were actually safe because Ayr and Partick Thistle - two other teams involved in the relegation battle - had to play each other the following week. We had escaped - there was no need to worry about the terrors of the second division.
What perhaps makes things all the more incredible is that two years later we won promotion to the SPL with many of the same players, including Shuggy, Barry McLaughlin, Steven McGarry and big Yards.
To all the players who featured that day, but especially Shuggy Murray, thank you.