Stirling 3 Greenhill 2

Students gain scrappy 3 points to continue 100% record

Stirling kept up their unblemished record in the District league with a win over the team consigned to the bottom. On another day the score could have been a lot different, but Stirling will be pleased to take 3 points after sloppy play could have lost them the game.

Taking the game to the relegation battlers from the off, Stirling almost took the lead on their first attack. Dropping deep to collect the ball, MacDougall expertly dinked a pass in behind for Crawford to run onto. Unfortunately a heavy touch meant the chance was gone and Greenhill regrouped. Stirling almost went ahead soon after through a long-range Barker strike. Filling the Cheick Tiote role in midfield, Barker drove forward and let fly. With the keeper beaten the ball clipped the bar and went over to the student’s dismay. Stirling continued to threaten with Mahoney, in his first game since being cleared from an Andy Carroll like assault charge, spraying some delightful balls around the park. Betreen and MacDougall were combining well and they both had one on one chances with the fragile Greenhill goalkeeper, but regrettably Stirling’s finishing was befitting of a bottom of the league side rather than title challengers.

They eventually got the reward their play deserved with Crawford’ second of the season. The ball was cleared from a Stirling corner and arrived back at the feet of Barker. The ball was whipped, at pace, onto Crawford’s head who guided it past the keeper. After a rather embarrassing celebration, Stirling tried to add to their lead from the restart but the Greenhill defence blocked two shots in quick succession, one being header from Mahoney which smacked the post. The tempo of the performance dropped, and some slack passing was apparent, as the mindset of Stirling’s players altered with the opening goal. While having rarely threatened throughout the first half, Greenhill began to create some opportunities throughout their lively striker, Jacko. They managed to take advantage of this to go into half-time level with an unusual moment of carelessness from captain Cooper. A loose ball broke on the edge of the area and rather than clear his lines, Cooper tried to take on the onrushing attacker and lost out. Taking his chance calmly the Greenhill player slotted past the unlucky Harkness in the Stirling goal and the scored were level.

With issues addressed at half-time, Stirling came out fighting and began to play the possession football they have become known for. Jamie McLean was winning the battle against the Greenhill midfield three, allowing Barker to break forward to support the impressive Stirling strike force. MacDougall, his typical inventive self, was providing opportunities for his teammates which on another day would have been taken. Combining well down the left Lynch and Brodie were causing problems for the Greenhill management, who were changing their players’ positions more often than Chapman changes his skin colour. This may have contributed to their team losing a second goal as with one defender sitting ten yards behind his teammates; MacDougall threaded a ball through for Crawford to run onto. A great supporting run from Betreen allowed Crawford to slip him in for a simple touch and finish for the English front man.

With a trio of David Weir’s in the Greenhill backline they began to tire allowing further chances to be created. The dependable Flanagan came off through injury and was replaced by the energetic Matty McLaughlin, Crawford moving to right back. Stirling began to be careless with the ball and invite Greenhill back into the match. Returning from injury Ryan Quinn replaced the abnormally quiet Lynch on the left side and it was through an attack down this side Stirling scored a third. Space was created on the counter and breaking forward the ball arrived at Betreen. Cutting inside Betreen steadied himself, before firing Stirling into a two-goal advantage. The coaches involved were disappointed with the lack of sole of the foot turning and dipping of the shoulder on display and this could have contributed to another bout of slackness in the Stirling rearguard. With the ball lost carelessly again, the pass went over the head of the out of position Cooper. Taking the ball on early a wonderful lob took the Stirling goalkeeper out of play and the ball nestled into the net setting up a nervy finish for the students.

Stirling regained their composure and kept the ball away from a tiring opposition, who still had one final chance. A break from a set-piece left MacDougall facing his own goal and indecision between him and the goalkeeper almost let the striker in. A good block from Harkness sent the player sprawling but he was given a 6.0 and told to get up by the referee. The students were able to see the final minutes out thanks to some poor attacking play by the Greenhill side and sustained possession by the Stirling side.

Overall Stirling will be disappointed not to score more considering the chances they created but maintaining their 100% record in the league is a just reward from a great footballing performance in spells.

Stirling: Harkness, Flanagan (McLaughlin), Cooper, Mahoney, Brodie, Crawford, Barker, McLean, Lynch (Quinn), MacDougall (Wells), Betreen

Man of the Match: Graeme Crawford (Seriously I don’t choose them)

Stirling 2 Dalkeith 1

Third Round beckons after industrious win

Stirling moved into the next round of the Scottish Amateur Cup with an efficient, hard-working win over a strong Dalkeith side. After drawing the previous week in Edinburgh, Stirling came into the game with belief they had nothing to fear.

The game followed a similar tone to the week before with Stirling slow to start and penned back in their own half for long periods. While Dalkeith had the majority of possession, they failed to create any clear cut chances barring a couple of headers which were sent wide. Anything which did go on target was dealt with superbly by man of the match Harkness and Stirling were soaking up pressure well, countering effectively to create chances of their own. Returning from injuring, Betreen was threatening the opposition with pace and trickery but at times needed to more selfish in front of goal. Supported skilfully by MacDougall, Stirling began to settle in the game and create opportunities for themselves. A fantastic driving run by Brodie from the left got him to the by-line. Composing himself he picked out the supporting Clark who couldn’t get over the ball and the opening was gone.

With Barker and Clark proving stubborn resistance to the compact Dalkeith midfield, Stirling were difficult to break down, with central defensive pairing, Cooper and Mahoney, again inspirational at the back. A frustrated Dalkeith side were further aggravated by the students taking the lead just before half-time. A loose ball was picked up by Crawford cutting in from the right-hand side. With MacDougall pulling a defender away, Crawford fizzed a through-ball for Betreen to run onto. With the defender grounded, and just the goalkeeper to beat, Betreen remained calm to slot the ball away and bring out his soon-to-be trademark DJ celebration.

The second-half began brightly for Stirling with a couple of chances created down the flanks and Stirling were to take advantage of this by going two ahead after being awarded a penalty. Crawford brought the ball forward and slotted a through ball for the on-rushing Barker. Beating the defender for pace, the ball was touched away from the keeper’s grasp and, leaving his leg in, Barker was taken down. Slotting the ball into the bottom left hand corner, Barker took his tally to two for the season and gave Stirling some breathing space. The students could have been three ahead not long after. The ball was delivered from the right and came out to the edge of the area to the waiting Brodie. Attempting a scissor kick, the ball was somehow flicked backwards in a confusing yet entertaining moment of the match. McLaughlin replaced MacDougall to give a different option in the strike force and he caused the opposition problems through his pressure on the ball and constant running.

Stirling began to be put under significant pressure for the final thirty minutes. They went from having a comfortable lead at 2-0, to anxiety as they conceded a goal. Breaking down a Stirling attack, the ball was cleared down the middle of the student’s defence. Hesitancy between central defenders and goalkeeper allowed the striker to nip in and pull a goal back. This slackness was a wakeup call as they were put under continued strain by the opposition. However the Stirling side remained an immovable force to the Dalkeith attack. With Henderson going off due to injury, Ryan Lynch replaced him and filled the gap on the left-hand side. Brodie moved to left-back, with ‘Reggae Star’ Flanagan as reliable as ever on the opposite side. Holding a line on the edge of the area, Dalkeith could only create half-chances through long-throws and crosses which were dealt with easily by the imposing Harkness. Counter-attacking well, Stirling were guilty of indecision when presented with opportunities, and this could have come back to haunt them with five minutes remaining.

From a corner, the ball rebounded off the crossbar and when it was played forward again off the face of Clark. Poor positioning from the referee resulted in the award of a penalty to the disbelief and disgust of the Stirling players. With a feeling of injustice prevalent and the prospect of extra-time looming Harkness made himself a hero. Feeling the taker’s nerves he made himself big and guessed correctly to keep the students ahead, and crush the hopes of the visiting side. Holding out for the remaining minutes valiantly, the Stirling side were delighted to hear the referee’s whistle which secured their progression to the next round.

A battling performance was exactly was needed by the students on the day, and they provided by putting their bodies on the line and showing desire and commitment for their teammates. The performance showed a promising future for this team and if they continue in this vein, then a trip to Fife in the next round will not prove a step too far for the young students.

Stirling: Harkness, Flanagan, Cooper, Mahoney, Henderson (Lynch), Crawford, Barker, Clark, Brodie, MacDougall (McLaughlin), Betreen Subs: Chapman, MacLean

Man of the Match: Ross Harkness

Dalkeith 1 Stirling 1

Stirling arrived in Edinburgh fresh from a 1-1 draw the previous Wednesday and were looking to build on their 100% record in Saturday football. Dalkeith proved to be tough opposition and the students will not be too disappointed at taking a draw from a tough fixture.

After a lethargic, quiet warm-up Stirling took this to onto the pitch and got off to a sluggish start. The bobbly surface didn’t help to settle Stirling nerves and Dalkeith had the better of the early exchanges and were perhaps unfortunate not go ahead.

Causing the Stirling side problems in the air, Dalkeith began their game plan of firing long balls into the Stirling penalty box and this worked to an extent with a few free headers going unpunished. After this shaky start Stirling began to find their feet and create chances of their own. A short pass was intercepted by Crawford down the Stirling right, allowing a driving run into the box to take place. With a variety of options available, the ball was played across the 6 yard box and with Bews, gaining his first start in the green of Stirling, waiting to slot it in, the Dalkeith goalkeeper got a strong hand on the ball to turn it away and the home side escaped.

Stirling were being put under a period of sustained pressure but were repelling the attacks efficiently, having adapted to the long ball tactics well. The most clear-cut chance of the first half came from Stirling however. Stevie Clark, brushing off recent speculation linking him with the vacant Hibs job, sprayed a wonderful ball in-between fullback and centre half spotting the run of Crawford who couldn’t hit the target with the diving header. Sure to impress any visiting Easter Road personnel, Clark was putting in an energetic performance combining well with Barker to cope with the midfield three of Dalkeith.

Stirling came out for the second half with the belief they could take the game to their opposition. This didn’t come to fruition as they were forced back for the majority of the second half relying on quick counters and the excellent hold up play of MacDougall and Bews. After Dalkeith created a few chances in quick succession, which were well saved by the ever-impressive Harkness, Coach Craig brought on Euan McCall to replace Bews adding a different aspect to the Stirling attack.

This proved an inspired change as Stirling gained an invaluable one goal lead. The inspiring Mahoney played a terrific ball out to Crawford, who then fizzed a diagonal ball into the path of McCall. After challenging with the goalkeeper, McCall was left with simple task of slotting home from close in. Stirling took this opportunity to keep up the pressure on the counter and remain responsible defensively.

With Dalkeith continuing to create chances, Stirling went to a 4-5-1 formation with MacLean replacing the tiring MacDougall. With added bite in the centre of the park, Stirling allowed the home side to have the majority of possession in front of them and only allowing half-chances to get an equaliser. Popular Charles Owusu made his first appearance for the third team replacing Ryan Lynch, who showed his potential one again with tremendous shift out on the left, as Stirling tried to see the game out to the end. Full-backs Flanagan and Henderson were supporting their centre half’s well but couldn’t get that much sought after clean sheet, conceding a penalty with 5 minutes left. Indecision between Flanagan and Harkness allowed the Dalkeith skipper to nick in and was bundled over. Stepping up himself the Dalkeith levelled the scores which, while slightly harsh on the stubborn back four, was probably deserved over the course of the game.

The final few minutes passed without incident and the two sides will meet once again next Saturday at the University campus. After being a goal up the students will be disappointed to lose a late goal, but on reflection it was perhaps the correct result with Dalkeith having the majority of the chances. Stirling will look forward to the replay, feeling they can perform much better and move into the third round of the prestigious competition.

Stirling: Harness, Flanagan, Cooper, Mahoney, Henderson, Crawford, Barker, Clark, Lynch (Owusu), Bews (McCall), MacDougall (McLean)

Man of the Match:  Ross Harkness

Stirling 1 Glasgow Caledonian 1's 1

Contentious decisions cost the Stirling 3^rd team a victory in their first BUCS home game of the season. On a fine day for football, Stirling began the match well, keeping possession between the back four, with Curtiss Wilson seeing a lot of the ball in the early stages.

Changing back to a 4-5-1 formation after the weekends 4-4-2, Stirling linked up well through the middle of the park and created the first chance of the match early on. A long ball forward was flicked on by Crawford into the onrushing Barker’s path, which he took expertly forward holding off the Glasgow defender. Barker got the shot away but couldn’t direct it away from goalkeepers grasp and the scores stayed level.

Glasgow were next to threaten and Stirling were lucky to escape without conceding. A dangerous ball from the Stirling left fizzed into an awkward area and, after confusion in the box; the ball rebounded off the bar and thankfully for Stirling was cleared to safety. With both teams struggling to get the better of each other, the game struggled to come to life. However after the ball was flicked on by the impressive Barker, Stirling were denied a stonewall penalty. Crawford took the ball on the chest and knocked it forward. With the defender lunging in and taking none of the ball, Stirling were waiting to hear the whistle. The referee, however, had other ideas and inexplicably played on.

With Stirling bewildered by the decision Glasgow took advantage to move into the lead. After a soft free-kick, the ball was crossed into the 6 yard box and was punched clear by the imposing Ross Harkness. Backpedalling the Glasgow central midfielder took it brilliantly on the volley to lob Harkness and give Glasgow the edge. However Stirling responded superbly, getting a goal back virtually straight away. After a driving run by the prominent Clark the ball was nudged off to lone striker Chris Betreen. Spotting the run of Crawford, Betreen sprayed a delightful ball over the Glasgow defence into Crawford’s path. Taking a good touch, and playing a sensational one-two with the keeper’s legs, Crawford smashed home to get off the mark for the season and get the home-side level at half-time.

The second half took a similar pattern to the first with Glasgow beginning to creep more into the game. Repelling the Glasgow attack, the imposing Cooper led from the front to deny the opposition time and again. Assisted admirably by Wilson, Mahoney and Cooper, Glasgow couldn’t break the Stirling defence down and it was Stirling who had a big chance to sneak into the lead. After another superb dead-ball delivery from Barker, Crawford rose to meet the cross 5 yards out. Unfortunately the ball whistled over the bar and the chance was gone. With Stirling struggling to make any headway, Coach Craig brought on fresher Stevie Boyle for his first appearance for the club. Playing in the holding role this allowed Barker and Clark to push forward and cause the Glasgow side problems.

Glasgow were having a lot of possession but were unable to break down the Stirling barrier and were vulnerable to the counter attack. With Stirling visibly tiring down the flanks, further changes were made. McCall, having been booked in the first half after losing his temper, was replaced by MacDougall who offered another attacking threat in the final third. Stirling changed to 4-4-2 in an effort to get the winning goal and began to trouble the opposition with the ball sticking up front. The tiring Betreen flourished with the addition of a second striker after yet another hard shift on his own upfront.

Lynch replaced Crawford as Stirling pressed to get a second goal which would have won the game. The referee came into the spotlight once again as Stirling were denied a second stonewall penalty. Betreen touched the ball past the defender and had his legs scythed away. However the official was not impressed and to the amazement of everyone Stirling were denied the chance to win the game. The remaining period of the game was end to end with both teams trying to get the vital winner However neither side made the breakthrough and the game finished a fair 1-1.

Stirling will be disappointed not to take a win from a game they had chances in. However a draw was probably the correct result on the day with Glasgow dominating the second half as Stirling had the first. Moving onto the Scottish cup 2^nd round on Saturday, Stirling will be in positive spirits and feel they can win progress further in the competition after Wednesday’s showing.

Stirling: Harkness, Flanagan, Cooper, Mahoney, Wilson, Crawford (Lynch), Barker, Boakye (Boyle), Clark, McCall (MacDougall), Betreen Subs: McCulloch, Bews

Man of the Match: Jono Cooper

Riverside 0 Stirling 2

Fan goes home happy after derby day victory

Stirling, under the watchful eye of SUFC legend Greg Ure, put in a workmanlike performance to secure a crucial victory over close rivals Riverside. Handing first starts of the season to Tom Flanagan and Mikey MacDougall, Stirling dug in to take 3 points from a game which could have turned out so different on another day.

The opening of the game was slightly scrappy as both teams struggled to find their feet on a heavy surface. Stirling were first to take command of the ball, keeping the ball well and beginning to create chances for the strike duo of MacDougall and Betreen. They were combing to great effect with Betreen staying long while MacDougall dropped slightly deeper to link with the midfield. Stirling almost took the lead with Betreen coming close. After some delightful keep ball by the backline and midfield, a defence-splitting pass by the impressive Quinn released Betreen one on one with the goalkeeper making a fine save to deny an early lead for the students.

Stirling were growing in confidence with fullbacks Brodie and Flanagan providing good service for their teammates while remaining ever-reliable at the back. They could not however carve out a clear-cut chance with Betreen again denied by the Riverside stopper. Jamie MacLean was worrying the Riverside midfield and causing problems they could only stop through a barrage of fouls. His central-midfield partner, Barker, was again in fine form surprising himself and everyone by outpacing two Riverside players before being hacked down.

With Stirling becoming increasingly frustrated by their opposition’s tactics, it would come from yet another foul that Stirling took a well-deserved lead. Barker lined up a free-kick 25 yards out and struck a curling effort which the keeper could only parry back into the danger area. Mahoney was first to the ball to get off the mark for the season and calm Stirling nerves. After a somewhat over-the-top hugging dance with onlooker Ure, it was back to business for the students who continued to look for another. Stirling saw the game through to half-time with Riverside having caused few problems to the defensive unit. Threatening rarely with their long-ball approach any threat was snuffed out by an imposing backline, including returning goalkeeper Harkness.

In a repeat of the first half, Stirling put continued pressure on their opponents without being able to increase their advantage. MacDougall’s audacious chip hit the underside of the bar and crossed the line, but a poorly positioned referee meant play continued without a deserved goal for MacDougall. On another day it could have been 8 or 9 but a stubborn Riverside back four somehow managed to contain the Stirling attack, and endangered the away side only with their winger Rixy. His threat was nullified efficiently all game by fresher Quinn who put in a tremendous shift. On the hour mark coach Craig made a couple of changes in an attempt to liven things up. Crawford replaced the notable MacLean, Craig worried the midfielder may see a second yellow. Meanwhile Lynch downed his trademark beanie to replace the frustrated Euan McCall. After another ten minutes of student pressure Bews replaced man of the match MacDougall after he had taken a knock. Making his first appearance for the university he caused problems with his tricky and pacey approach. The students were to make the game safe with a few minutes remaining. A quick Brodie throw was taken by Crawford. A sprayed ball over the top released Bews to calmly send the goalkeeper the wrong way to score the first of sure-to-be many in the green of Stirling. With the game sewn up there was time for Barker to dent his copybook. With 4 waiting for a quickly taken corner, his usually reliable right foot let him down. An attempted cross shot troubled the nearby charity car wash more than the top right hand corner, but it was a rare mistake for the Stirling number 7.

Overall a satisfying result which could have went either way with only a one goal lead. However these are the types of games that can count for so much come the end of the season and taking three points is pleasing for the 3^rd team side. A 100% record maintained and a confident team move on to Wednesday’s game with another win in the bag.

Stirling:  Harkness, Flanagan, Cooper, Mahoney, Brodie, Quinn, MacLean (Crawford), Barker, McCall (Lynch), MacDougall (Bews), Betreen Subs: Chapman, Charles

Man of the Match: Mikey MacDougall

Fond memories soured with harsh defeat

Glasgow 2nds    4        Stirling Uni      1

Stirling arrived at the Garscube complex with high hopes of beginning the new BUCS season with a win reminiscent of the previous season. Returning to the scene of the opening day 7-1 demolition the previous year, Stirling had expectations of performing to similar standards this time around.

The match started with both teams trying to impose themselves on the game. With little to choose between the two sides, chances were restricted to long shots from either side. A long ball forward was controlled brilliantly by Barker, and his attempted chip from the edge of the area was unfortunate to go over. Chances were few and far between in a scrappy first half with Boakye and Lynch impressing for the away side. However it was Glasgow who went into half-time in the lead. A free-kick was awarded on the edge of the area after the Glasgow forward got to the ball just before the Stirling skipper Cooper. While the wall was being set up the free-kick was quickly taken and after rebounding off the post, hit the unfortunate Chapman and crossed the line.

Fuelled by a sense of injustice, Stirling came out quickly and tried to take the game to Glasgow. While keeping the ball well throughout the midfield, Stirling’s play was breaking down in the final third. Glasgow took advantage of this by playing the ball side to side across their backline forcing Betreen to work hard to press the ball. Stirling found themselves two behind after a spectacular strike from the Glasgow central midfielder. The ball broke to the edge of the area and with his weaker foot; the ball was struck into the postage stamp past the helpless Chapman. While many teams would have folded Stirling showed desire and commitment to stage a comeback. A change in formation from 4-5-1 to 4-4-2, led to an increase in chances for the battling Stirling side, with Ryan Quinn coming on for Boakye to give a more attacking intent to the side. Change was almost immediate with fellow sub Mikey MacDougall adding a spark that was missing up front for most of the game.

MacDougall picked up the ball and drove at the heart of the box, taking two defenders with him. Retaining his composure superbly, he cut inside to set up Betreen for his second of the season and give Stirling a glimmer of hope to cling to. Fired up by this, Stirling pushed forward with Cooper joining the attack to make a 3-4-3 formation for the final 10 minutes. Turning out to be an inspired change, Cooper put his considerable presence to good use causing the home side trouble. Clark and Barker were driving from midfield to good effect and causing trouble for the central midfield three they were up against. The moment of the game arrived with around seven minutes to go however. A long ball was cleared by Crawford which missed the Glasgow defence and left Cooper one on one with the goalkeeper. The ball was squared to the oncoming Ryan Quinn who looked set to knock the ball home when inexplicably the referee called for offside. While having no linesman does make it difficult for referees, it was not a hard decision to make and at a crucial time of the game caused outrage in the Stirling ranks.

Stirling continued to push for the equaliser but Glasgow still looked dangerous on the counter with man of the match Chapman making a number of crucial saves. However the game was killed off with the arrival of Glasgow’s third goal. Another great save for Chapman rebounded to the 6 yard box which bounced off Crawford’s knee, and although the first shot was blocked the ball ricocheted across to a Glasgow player to knock it home and essentially kill off the game. With the wind taken out their sails the final few minutes were end to end with the impressive Curtiss Wilson creating a couple of late chances. However Glasgow had the final say as a quick throw-in was rifled into the top corner across the unlucky Chapman again.

Having put so much effort into the game Stirling will be disappointed not to have taken something from the game. Had the contentious ‘offside’ goal been awarded things may have been different but Stirling can build on their performance and have nothing to fear from any of their opponents in the forthcoming league campaign.

Stirling: Chapman, Crawford, Cooper, Mahoney, Wilson, Lynch, Barker, Boakye (Quinn), Clark, Bailey (MacDougall), Betreen           Subs: Maclean

M.O.M- Ross Chapman

Stirling Uni 2 Hearts of Beith 1

After a morale-boosting win the previous week, the 3rd team came into this match full of confidence. With squads finally decided the team could begin to settle down and set the standard for the season. The squad has been boosted by the arrival of freshers Ryan Lynch, Ryan Quinn, Charles and Ethan Bews to subset the loss of previous years players. On first impressions they have shown the quality to fit straight into the side and keep the high standards set from the previous season.

The Scottish cup provides a firm test for every side and this first round tie proved no different. Manager Tommy Craig put out a strong side which included a few last minute tactical changes due to the inclusion of scholar Abraham Keller. The pre-planned 4-5-1 formation was altered to a more offensive 4-4-2, and the benefits became clear from the very beginning of the game. Good possesion football throughout the side was aided by some brillant hold-up play from strikers Keller and Betreen. Stirling did, at times, look for the forward ball too often resulting in possesion not being retained effectively enough. However they had the better of the first 20 minutes and were unlucky not to go ahead.

Stirling were spraying the ball from side-to-side well through centre-mid pairing Will Barker and Steven Clark and were enjoying sucess down either flank through freshers Lynch and Quinn. Hearts of Beith were struglling to contain the passing ability of the Stirling side and, while they had a couple of half chances themselves well saved by Harkness, the Stirling pressure eventually paid off. The ball broke out wide to Quinn who took a touch and played in Betreen who struck a delightful precision shot across the goalkeeper and into the far corner for his first goal of the season. Not long after they were nearly two ahead when a driving run from full-back Crawford, beating three players in the process ended in the goalkeeper tipping the ball wide. While Stirling pressed for the rest of the half they couldn't make their dominance turn into another goal to make themselves more comfortable.

After the half-time break Stirling continued where they left off, with the introdution of Jamie Mclean for the injured Barker adding some steel to the centre of the park. Stirling were passing well and the attacking prowess of Keller was causing the opposition backline a great deal of problems. Keller managed to keep his head under some poor challenges and was providing a great outlet for his strike partner Betreen. Hearts of Beith were beginning to threaten the Stirling goal but were spurned time and again by the combination of Harkness, Cooper and Mahoney. Harkness produced a good double save in the tricky conditions to keep Stirling's one-goal lead and the Stirling defence were holding firm to deny any further chance for the opposition. Stirling were then rewarded for their impressive display with a second goal. A seemingly harmless free-kick from wide out on the left was all set up for the cross, however Keller had other ideas. A wonderful shot was going over until the final second when it viciously dipped under the bar to give Stirling a crucial cushion going into the final ten minutes.

Stirling had to deal with some sustained pressure in the final period of the game but were holding firm against the aerial advances of Beith and performing well on the counter, holding possesion well. Substitutes Matty McLaughlin and Mikey MacDougall ran down the clock to great effect, not conceding the ball and providing a great outlet in the final minutes. However things were complicated through a piece of individual brillance from the opposition central midfielder. The ball was squared from a free kick and the ball wasnt pressed quickly enough. A fine left-foot effort was pinged into the top corner leaving Harkness helpless. The final few minutes were seen out well though by the Stirling side and progression was secured into the next round.

While Stirling would like to have scored a few more and turned their dominace into a more comfortble scoreline, they will be pleased at the standard of their play and progression into the second round. A 100% start to the season has been continued and a lot of confidence can be taken from the performances so far and the strength in depth that the squads seems to have.

Stirling: Harkness, Crawford, Cooper, Mahoney, Brodie, Lynch, Clark, Barker (McLean), Quinn (McLaughlin), Betreen (MacDougall), Keller Subs: Chapman, Bews, Charles

Referee's (debatable) MOM: Crawford