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
No comments:
Post a Comment