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