Stirling Beaten By Resilient Heriot-Watt Side.

Heriot-Watt 2nd XI 3 - 1 Stirling 3rd XI

A strong display from Heriot-Watt was enough to defeat the hapless Stirling in a game which was marred by two red cards.

Stirling started the game brightly, taking full advantage of the wide pitch with Brodie and Mitchell linking well on the left side, however Stirling had no answer to a robust Heriot-Watt back line in the final third.

Heriot-Watt, aided by a well disciplined midfield, opened the scoring with an excellent counter attacking move following a Stirling corner. With the Stirling defence still retreating, the ball was played out far right and with the winger hitting the byeline, he drilled in a low ball into the box finding the HW No.9, who made no mistake in controlling the ball and drilling it low into the bottom left hand corner.

With the wind now firmly in Heriot-Watt's sails, the Edinburgh side began to take a hold of the game, forcing the Stirling defence deep into their own half. With the majority of Heriot-Watt attacks coming from the left, Stirling right back Curtis Wilson did well to ensure Stirling entered half time with only a one goal deficit.

Central midfielder Wells was substituted at half time for Quinn, with the impressive Mitchell pushed into the center of the park to combat the Heriot-Watt central midfield trio. Yet Stirling were soon to be left deflated as not long into the second half, the HW No.9 doubled the lead with his second of the game. With a cross from the left rebounding off a Stirling defender, it kindly fell to the imposing striker who poked the ball home beyond the helpless McCulloch.

It was clear Stirling were lacking a certain bite in the middle of the park, which led to the introduction of McNee, with Boyle giving way. The crowd favourite had an immediate affect, lifting the team with his passionate attitude. With only being on the pitch a matter of seconds, McNee floated a superb pass to Boakye who, on the volley from the edge of the area, struck a sweet strike which clipped the top of the bar. Yet this resurge in the Stirling play was soon interrupted with a confrontation, which left both teams with ten men.

Boakye, frustrated all game with little service, was hacked down on the edge of the area with the referee waving play on. Approached by an outraged center half claiming Boakye had dived, the HW man pushed the Stirling striker, which resulted in a physical encounter between the two. After a number of players attempted to break up the incident, the referee had no choice but to show red to both.

Stirling were not yet dead and buried and knocked hard on the HW door looking for the breakthrough and it duely came in the 80th minute. With a corner floated in from the left, the ball was cleared only to be knocked back in to find Mahoney, who calmly volleyed home, amid shouts from the HW defence for offside.

Stirling were now in the driving seat and pushed for a late equalizer which so nearly came through winger Ryan Lynch. With a previous attack cleared only to Lynch on the edge of the area, he took the ball past one man to unleash a venomous drive which struck the inside of the post and bounced clear.

With the game nearly over, Stirling pushed all but keeper McCulloch up field looking for the equalizer and paid the price when HW killed the game off. With only the center halves as Stirling's line of defence, Flanagan was beaten down the left and with Mahoney moving over to cover, the ball was played across the box with the HW striker somehow missing from all of six yards, with McCulloch making a fine save. The ball was cleared only to be knocked straight back, finding the HW striker and at the second time of asking, finished beautifully from the edge of the area, with his shot crashing off the bar and bouncing in off the unfortunate McCulloch

The game was seen out comfortably by Heriot-Watt, who recorded their first victory in the BUCS Cup. Yet the three points wasn't enough for the Edinburgh side who they failed to join Stirling in the knockout stages of the competition.

McCulloch, Brodie, Mahoney, Flanagan, Wilson, Mitchell, Wells (Quinn), Boyle (McNee), Lynch, Betreen (McDougall) Boakye Subs not used; Barker

Courtesy of Tom Flanagan

Stirling 1st's 8 Lothian Thistle 0

Students stroll to East of Scotland Cup win

An early red card killed the game as a spectacle in this eagerly anticipated East of Scotland cup final. Stirling, appearing in the competition final for the first time, came up against a Lothian Thistle outfit looking to win the trophy for the 5^th time in the decade. Taking place at the Falkirk Stadium, the professional outlay was a step up for the players and Stirling took to the occasion better than their Borders opponents.

Stirling put out a strong side, set up in conventional 4-4-2, and the superior technical skills showed from the off. Using the wide pitch to full advantage, the early possession belonged to Stirling while Lothian struggled to gain a foothold in the game. The first chance of the match fell to ex-Cardiff City man Craig Mason. Slipped through delightfully, Mason was one-on-one but couldn’t find the finish to match the build up as the keeper blocked the ball away.

The game-changing moment arrived after 15 minutes with the Lothian number 10, Ean Grieve, receiving his marching orders. Liam Corr took a touch away from the attacker and was on the end of a terrible lunge, which the referee was quick to deem a red card and an early bath loomed for the forward.

The breakthrough wasn't long in coming soon after, as Jason Atkins broke the deadlock. The ball was whipped in from a corner and headed back across goal. Atkins was first to the ball to bullet home the opener and give the vocal travelling fans something to sing about. Playing in front of a couple of a hundred fans, the main support was for the students as , in particular, a 30 strong contingent gave tremendous vocal backing.

Playing wide on the right, Michael Pentland got himself on the score sheet arriving late at the back post. A whipped ball across was tapped in from close range, bringing out a front flip from the delighted Pentland. It wasn’t long before he doubled his tally to give Stirling a comfortable lead. Emmot Parr-Gallagher played the ball across the edge of the area and, after a great dummy by Mason, left Pentland with time to drill past the helpless Lothian goalkeeper.

Stirling made it 4 before half-time with the tricky Corr troubling the scorers. Finding himself one-on-one with the frustrated keeper, the two players were both committed to the 50/50 challenge. Corr got there first to slot home, and a combination of Corr and the covering defender conspired to cause the goalkeeper to receive a serious injury. He bravely battled through to half-time, having received what turned out to be a break, before being replaced by a centre half for the remainder of the game.

Having the game sown up by half-time, the second half was a procession as Stirling dominated possession and ‘keeper Sam Filler could have been in the travelling support, such was the Lothian attacking threat. Mason got in on the act 10 minutes after the break, slotting home first time after a wonderful cross from Corr.

Mason and Corr were replaced by Danny Denholm and Abraham Keller as Stirling mixed it up having a comfortable lead to rely on. It was Swiss-born Keller who made it 6 after Parr-Gallagher’s effort was blocked and Keller was on hand to drill the ball home, although the stadium announcer had other ideas and gave Pentland the delight of hearing his name for the third time on the day.

Captain Lee Nichol, alongside Calum Scott, was dictating play from the centre of the park, looking at ease with the surroundings and completing pass after pass. It was from customary Nichol build up that Keller added his second and Stirling’s 7^th. Keller, fresh from scoring 4 against Glasgow Uni, looked dangerous but couldn’t find the hat-trick as Lothian survived a long-range dipping free-kick.

Pentland was then replaced to standing ovation; with Darren Dalrymple his replacement and the substitute caused problems for a tiring Lothian side. It was Creag Robertson who was to complete the scoring on the day, rewarding an energetic performance and countless supporting runs down the left, as the ball was bundled over line from a Nichol corner.

Filler was to see his only action of the day with minutes to go, as a weak free-kick summed up Lothian’s day as they froze on the big day giving little opposition to the University outfit. The final whistle was a relief to the Borders team, and the trophy went, for the first time, into Stirling hands. Captain Nichol lifted the cup to the delight of teammates and fans alike to complete a day where the supporters definitely got their money’s worth.

Nichol said: “I didn’t think it was going to be as easy a first trophy as it turned out to be, but Lothian were always going to find it hard being down to 10 men and four goals down at half-time. Still, we had to give 100 percent and it was great to see so many of the team get in amongst the goals. It’s an honour to be the captain of the side to win the first Cup and it is another step forward for our young team. We want to win as many cups as we can and challenge for the Premier title. To win the final the way we have will give the guys a lot of confidence for the rest of the season.”

Delighted coach Stevie Burchill said: “I was very pleased with the attitude of the players. From start to finish, they kept trying to do things properly, stuck to the game plan and got their rewards. It was an excellent team performance to win what will hopefully be the first of many trophies.”

Stirling University: Filler, McCullagh, Atkins, Drummond, Robertson, Scott, Nichol, Corr (Denholm), Pentland (Dalrymple), Parr-Gallagher, Mason (Keller). Subs: Walker, Neilson

Stirling 1 North Berwick 0

Students progress from bad-tempered affair

A rotated Stirling side came out on top after a match in which North Berwick were lucky to survive with 11 men intact. A positive attacking performance proved good enough to win the game, while another clean sheet breeds yet more confidence through the ranks.

A much-changed side included starts for Conner Wells, Cameron Mitchell, Graeme McCormack, Keith Glendinning and Joe Boakye. Continuity wasn't a problem however as the side gelled well and played some attractive football on occasion.

Boakye playing in an advanced role had an early chance to give Stirling the lead. After a great run Boakye found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, unfortunately he couldn’t find the finish to match the build up, and the ball slid wide. Mitchell was pulling the strings in the middle of the park, with the Berwick side growing increasingly frustrated at his quick feet and unnerving first-touch. Support for Mitchell was being provided superbly down the flanks by Lynch and Brodie, who were not giving their opponents any chance to settle.

Stirling took a deserved lead through ex-Leyton Orient man Boakye with a composed finish. Slipped in superbly, he corrected from his earlier chance to leave the goalkeeper with no chance.

Berwick were committing foul after foul, while getting on the referee’s back at every opportunity while the students did superbly well to concentrate on the football. Their captain was focussed more on arguing with the official rather than the showing up he was receiving in the centre of the park. Connor Wells making his first start for the 3^rd team gave a solid performance, doing the simple things well and giving Mitchell the freedom to go forward.

Stirling took a similar attitude into the second half and gained success all over the park. Betreen and Boakye were connecting well using pace and strength against a suspect backline, but could not find a second goal. Connor Wells passed up a glorious chance to double lead but, like a dog with a bone, he was too eager to get the shot away, and fired over when composure was needed.

The disgusting behaviour of the away side boiled over with 15 minutes left. After a strong challenge Wells was left prone on the ground, however Berwick played on. While the ball was up the other end, the number 2 inexplicably stamped on the injured player causing outrage on the Stirling sideline. With the rested Will Barker having to be physically restrained on the touchline, the Berwick player backed down after a kind word from Mitchell. Crawford replaced the injured Wells, and McLean took over from Betreen.

Stirling escaped with the win after some slack play almost gave the away side an undeserved equaliser. A long ball wasn't dealt with and the ball broke, just inside the box, to an unmarked Berwick player. Striking the ball low to Chapman’s right, the eccentric keeper sprung to block the ball away for a corner and prove his worth once again. With Harkness available for the next Saturday game, Coach Craig will be left with a selection headache which will be pleasing at this stage of the season.

Quinn, on his 20^th birthday, came on for the final few minutes replacing the impressive Lynch who once again showed that he has the skills to cement a place in the side. Stirling will be pleased that a rotated side managed to secure progression into the next round with a polished performance.

Stirling: Chapman, Flanagan, Mahoney, McCormack, Glendinning, Lynch, Mitchell, Wells, Brodie, Boakye, Betreen Subs: Craig, McLean, Crawford, Quinn,

Man of the Match: Grae...Ryan Lynch

Stirling 2 Robert Gordon 2’s 1

Hard-fought win puts students back in contention

In blustery conditions, more inclined to sailing than football, Stirling took three crucial points which puts them in touch at the top of the Wednesday BUCS league. The Aberdeen side faced a sour trip home on a day where weather conditions jeopardised the quality of the game and killed off any chance of free flowing football.

Facing the wind in the first half, Stirling found their feet at the back early coping with the gale well. Flanagan had replaced the injured Wilson, with Crawford moving to left fullback, and the change didn’t cause ructions in a defence which had only conceded once in the previous 4 games.

Early chances were few and far between with both teams trying to adapt to the conditions. With McCall and Bailey swapping wings on occasion, the away side didn’t have a chance to settle with fullbacks Crawford and Flanagan sorting well. MacDougall had a chance to get off the mark for the season after a cutback from the by-line, however the chance was blocked and RGU escaped.

Stirling limited their opposition to a couple of long-range efforts which were no trouble to quizmaster Chapman. Barker and Boyle were combining well, and this partnership has worked to great effect shown by an unbeaten record for Boyle since his inclusion in the side. Stirling took the lead in impressive fashion, after a wonderful cross from the right by McCall. Boyle cushioned a volley, first time, into the path of Betreen who smashed home to continue his sensational form in front of goal.

Rather than build on this, Stirling were pegged back not long after with a flowing move leaving Chapman with no chance. After a quick passing move, a perfectly timed run from the Robert Gordon striker was fed in, and he kept his composure to find the equaliser.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, Stirling struggled to adapt with the first few balls being over hit. MacDougall and Betreen were forcing the defenders into mistakes as they faced the wind for themselves and the RGU goalkeeper was misplacing almost every kick.

Stirling took advantage of their ascendancy to retake the lead. After a mazy run by Crawford, Betreen took the ball into his stride and rifled the ball to the keeper’s left to give a crucial goal for the home side. A slightly over-zealous celebration resulted in an injury for Crawford, after a quick count however, he was fit to carry on.

Stirling managed to keep this lead however, as expected, RGU threatened to get a goal back. Gaining some joy down their right a few testing balls were dealt with admirably by Mahoney and Cooper and Stirling were able to mount attacks of their own. Bailey was troubling the defence with his pace, but couldn’t find a finish to match the runs.

Cameron Mitchell gave a brief fifteen minute cameo from the bench on his return from injury, showing a return to fitness and kept the ball superbly to run down the clock. Another substitute Quinn came into the fray replacing McCall after an energetic display, and it was the new man who almost sowed up the win. After some great build-up, Mitchell sprayed a cross-field ball into his path and Quinn managed to take the ball in and beat the keeper, however there wasn't enough on the shot and it was cleared away to safety.

The sound of the final whistle was to the relief of Stirling as they took three points from a game that could have gone different on the day. However, on balance, Stirling deserved the win having adapted to the game better than their northern counterparts. Receiving a few injuries into the bargain, Stirling will have to reshuffle the pack for the East of Scotland tie on Saturday, although this will give other players the chance to impress.

These massive three points has given a lift to Stirling’s morale, and a real chance of promotion if they continue their form on a Wednesday.

Stirling: Chapman, Flanagan, Cooper, Mahoney, Crawford, Bailey, Barker, Boyle, McCall (Quinn), Betreen (Mitchell), MacDougall Subs: McCulloch, Lynch, McLean

Stirling 1 Balgonie Scotia 1896 AFC 1 (Balgonie win 4-3 on penalties)

Penalty heartbreak undeserved for battling students.

With millions being spent on the ‘biggest fight in British history’, by far a more exciting spectacle was produced in this Scottish Cup tie than the letdown produced in the boxing ring. The lottery of penalties resulted in a loss for the spirited students who could not be beaten over 90 minutes in any of their 5 matches in this year’s competition.

Playing on a considerably better pitch, the standard was of much higher quality than what was served up the previous Saturday. Stirling were slow out the blocks and the early running was made by Balgonie. Fortunately for Stirling they couldn’t take their chances after hitting the post and also forcing a save from Chapman. At times Stirling were panicking and giving the ball away needlessly which gave Balgonie the chance to pen them into their own half.

The Balgonie midfield were linking up well and creating two on ones across the pitch, which Stirling were struggling to contain. The students were holding out well though and kept the long-running clean sheet intact, for then at least. A Stirling attack was as rare as an Audley Harrison punch, but they almost took an undeserved lead through two long-range Barker efforts. Collecting the ball 25 yards out, a swerving hit was pushed onto the post by the keeper. Minutes later, receiving the ball back after a corner, a great strike across the goalkeeper clipped the bar as Stirling began to open up.

Stirling came out for the second half determined to show their true qualities. The central duo of McLean and Barker began to impose themselves on the game, and play some telling passes which caused the Balgonie defence some problems. McCall and MacDougall were playing further forward and more central which allowed the ball to stick better, giving the students the chance to move the defence further up the field.

This allowed the fullbacks to get on the ball to better effect and it was from this Stirling took a lead their second half performance merited. Crawford picked the ball up and cut inside past the Balgonie midfielder and played a quick one-two with MacDougall. A touch then finish put the students ahead and seemingly in control after stamping their authority on the game in the second half.

McLaughlin replaced Quinn with McCall moving to the left to offer fresh legs against a tiring backline. With Balgonie pushing a third man upfront, Cooper and Mahoney had to put a massive shift in to deal with the threat and, as usual, they kept up their high standard. Threatening on the counter, Stirling were unlucky not to add to their lead with Barker, McLaughlin and MacDougall all having half chances that couldn’t quite cross the line.

The students couldn’t hold out to the end though as a quick counter of their own by Balgonie led to an equaliser. The eye-catching central midfielder played a ball in between Mahoney and Brodie, just evading both, and left Chapman helpless as the ball was smashed into the back of the net. The final 10 minutes didn’t have any chances of real note and the match headed to extra time.

A disappointed Stirling side matched the Balgonie outfit throughout the extra 30 minutes as their fitness began to show through. Flanagan replaced Lynch with Crawford moving to right midfield and added an attacking force with fresh legs. They could not battle their way through however and penalties loomed for both.

In an unusual step the starting back 4 and Barker put themselves forward to take. Having scored their first three and Balgonie missing one, Stirling felt confident. However a combination of bad luck and good goalkeeping meant the next three were missed. Chapman having saved one couldn’t prevent the final penalty being converted and the Scottish Cup dream was over for another year.

A spirited second half performance perhaps gave the edge to the Stirling side but overall a draw was probably a fair result. Stirling will now have to focus on other competitions, starting with the Robert Gordon at home on Wednesday.

Stirling: Chapman, Crawford, Cooper, Mahoney, Brodie, Lynch (Flanagan), Barker, McLean, Quinn (McLaughlin), MacDougall, McCall Subs: Pepe, Wells

Man of the Match: Mahoney

Glasgow 3’s 0 Stirling 4

The laundrymen at it again as Stirling ease to victory

Stirling killed this game off as a contest before half-time as an invigorated side claimed yet another victory. With the away side never having to move out of second gear, Stirling took advantage to keep themselves in contention in the Wednesday BUCS league.

Stirling began the match in sloppy fashion and were struggling to maintain possession and the form which they had shown in previous games. Glasgow failed to create any chances though against a defence who have now not conceded in 280 minutes of football.

They were to take the lead however with a first goal from a corner this season. Barker drilled a ball into the area, and the ball evaded the defenders at the front post onto the head of Crawford who managed to guide it into the corner to give Stirling a one-goal advantage

With a spring in their step, it wasn't long before they doubled the lead after a piece of magic by Stevie Boyle. Driving forward he played an audacious ball in behind for Betreen to run onto. The lethal frontman maintained his composure, touching the ball away from the goalkeeper and slotting into the empty net for the Vincent Pericard wannabe’s 6^th goal of the season.

On a narrow pitch Stirling were, somewhat surprisingly, being successful down the flanks. The Wizzleman, Curtiss Wilson, was bounding down the left combining well with the on-form McCall to fashion chances for the strike duo, Betreen and MacDougall. It was from the other side that Stirling were to increase their lead however.

Spotting the run of the overlapping Crawford, Stevie Clark zipped a ball over the top into a dangerous area. Managing to control the ball and get away from the covering Glasgow defenders, Crawford cut the ball back from the by-line to the supporting Barker who had the simple task of stealing, Brandon Flakes look-a-like, Wilson’s, goal.

Stirling had settled by this point in the half and were playing the possession football they have strived for this season. Cooper and Mahoney had left the caravans at home and were not threatened by the pace of the Glasgow striker breaking up the little threat that the Glasgow side offered.

MacDougall was providing his usual energetic and determined performance, supporting Betreen to great effect. As yet MacDougall has not been rewarded with the goals to match the performances he has been producing, having some half-chances in this game again which wouldn’t nestle in the back of the net. However it is plain to see the goals will come to match the assists provided this season.

Stirling made it four just before half-time with Betreen completing his customary brace. A ball from fullback Crawford missed intended target MacDougall, but with the home side’s defence stationary Betreen ran on to slot past the keeper and make it 7 for the season. Last-season’s top scorer has started where he left off, and is providing the threat which builds confidence throughout the side.

The second half was a drab affair with both teams accepting that the game was over and played the game out to this effect. Barker was replaced after an hour by MacLean who slotted in alongside the once-again impressive Boyle.

The chances continued to arrive for Stirling, with Mahoney heading just over from a corner while MacDougall couldn’t find the finish after Glasgow’s keeper, ‘Monkey’, had fumbled. With Betreen feeling an injury, no chances were taken and he was replaced by Lynch with McCall pushing upfront. It wasn't long before Lynch had the chance to add to the lead but he couldn’t find the finish. Crawford drove at the defence, drawing the defenders towards him, and then flicked the ball in behind for Lynch to run onto to. Unfortunately Lynch volleyed wide and Glasgow survived.

Another injury meant Crawford switched to left back and Flannigan came on at right-back. McCall slotted wide late on before Glasgow only chance arrived. A great strike was flying towards the top corner before Chapman got a strong hand to turn the ball away and keep dry-cleaning bills low with yet another clean sheet.

The only other moment of the half concerned a stroppy Clark, trying in vain to see red. Having argued with the referee after backing up his teammate, he kicked out after a terrible challenge on himself and was lucky to stay on the field. Being a Newcastle supporter, it can only be thought watching the duo of Carroll and Barton are having a negative effect.

Stirling proved they are a force with a dominant performance in Glasgow and keep their chances of promotion a realistic possibility. Moving towards a Scottish Cup replay on Saturday, Stirling have a fantastic chance of moving further through this competition if they continue the lethal streak in front of goal they had in the first half.

Stirling: Chapman, Crawford, Cooper, Mahoney, Wilson (Flannigan), Clark, Barker (McLean), Boyle, McCall, MacDougall, Betreen (Lynch) Subs: McCulloch, Quinn

Man of the Match: Graeme Crawford D of the Day: Stevie Clark

Balgonie Scotia 1896 AFC 0 Stirling 0

Replay beckons after battling stalemate

“If there’s grass on the pitch, play ball” is a saying that could not be applied to this Scottish Cup third round match. With players struggling to stay on their feet, and even strike the ball at times, the game was killed off as a spectacle due to the playing surface. In what can only be described as a journalist’s nightmare, chances were few and far between with Stirling coming of the back of a superb performance the previous Wednesday.

Continuing with the 4-4-2 formation which is serving them well, there were four, mainly enforced, changes from the previous match; Boyle, Wilson, Betreen and Chapman making way for McLean, Brodie, McCall and Harkness. Stirling began well keeping possession on a boggy pitch and nullifying any threat from the Scotia ranks. The first ten minutes passed without incident, both teams sussing each other out and trying to get used to the surface.

Stirling gained a massive chance to go in front though when they were awarded a penalty. A Barker corner came low at the front post, missing a couple of defenders before striking the arm of a Scotia player. Placing the ball down in thick mud, Barker drove it down the middle but unfortunately over the bar and the chance had gone. The conditions meant none of the Stirling side could fault the young English midfielder, considering his recent record.

With chances at a minimum, Stirling were getting some joy through their fullbacks Brodie and Crawford. Although they managed to get in behind on a few occasions they were unable to stay on their feet in order to get the crucial delivery into the area. The first half played itself out with little incident of note, with the players struggling to make chances and relying on mistakes by the opposition. Quinn, gaining full fitness again after injury, was troubling the Scotia defence and, on two occasions, found Lynch at the back post. Unable to get the ball out his feet, the ball dragging in the mud, the chances were blocked as both teams grew increasingly frustrated.

The second half took a similar approach with end-to-end attacks, but the end product was as rare as a Betreen appearance at training. Stirling were breaking forward at will with Barker not quite finding his range of passing, denied at the last time and again. MacDougall and McCall were feeding off scraps but were performing admirably, McCall in particular showing the form that everyone knows he is capable of.

In an attempt to freshen things up Lynch, having had another committed performance both in attack and defence, was replaced by Colin Jack making his first appearance of the season and offering a physical threat up top, while McCall moved to wide right. With the neutrals in attendance dozing off, there was some controversy to liven up this dreary encounter.

With McLean making the sensible decision to take the booking on a counter, the ball broke kindly to leave a 2 v 1 in Balgonie’s favour. Much to Stirling’s relief, the referee refused to play advantage and brought it back to the fury of a vocal home support. The men in all white, all brown by the end, took this as a warning and began to create chances of their own. Barker having a strike dragged wide and a bobble stopping a trademark McCall strike from troubling the goalkeeper. With one goal-mouth scramble after indecision in the Stirling box the only chance of note in the final 10 minutes, a replay will now take place next Saturday.

With Chapman making it to 21, surprisingly after certain antics over the years, Stirling could not quite find the win to mark the occasion. Both teams will be hoping for a better pitch in order to put their footballing skills, and not just their battling skills, on display. All-in-all Stirling were happy to take a draw from a tough match and they will take heart from knowing they have a great chance of making the 4^th round.

Stirling: Harkness, Crawford, Cooper, Mahoney, Brodie, Lynch (Jack), Barker, McLean, Quinn, McCall, MacDougall Subs: Chapman, Wells, Bews, Craig

Man of the Match: Jono Cooper

Stirling 4 Napier 1st 0

Vintage performance leaves Edinburgh side stunned

Stirling booked their place in the knockout stages of the BUCS cup with a commanding victory over an Edinburgh side sitting two divisions above. It had looked likely that the game would be called off due to heavy rain throughout the week but the surface withstood the weather to provide a skidding surface perfect for passing football.

Stirling settled into the game with Napier getting the better of the early exchanges despite not threatening the home side’s goal. Maintaining a defensive approach to the Napier threat, Stirling frustrated their opposition threatening themselves on the counter attack. The first chance came for Stirling as MacDougall controlled a long ball forward. Taking the ball on the bounce a rifled shot almost caught out the suspect goalkeeper but he managed to gather the ball at the second attempt.

The Stirling students were soaking up pressure well with the laundryman Ross Chapman having virtually nothing to do. Stirling were playing brilliant possession football with few wasteful passes and showing superb desire win the ball back at every opportunity. The left side was being particularly productive with Curtiss Wilson’s energetic runs providing a great outlet for the Stirling side. The central midfield pairing of Barker and Boyle were combining to great effect, nullifying the threat of the three Napier midfielders and looking like they had played together for years.

The breakthrough finally came from a Stirling counter, and it was deserved on the balance of play. A great ball down the left-hand side was picked up by the lively Betreen, who was brushing of a Ledley King-type reputation to take part. With a swift touch inside, Betreen spotted the run of Barker on the edge of the area. Keeping his composure, Barker swept the ball with his instep into to the top left-hand corner to put the home side into the lead. With confidence visibly growing in the Stirling players, they began to spray the ball around with the Napier students shaken by the terrific football being played.

The only threat was coming through the centre for Napier; however they could not find a way through the spine of a team putting in their best performance for a considerable time. The combination of Barker and Boyle in the middle, and Cooper and Mahoney at the back meant time and again the Edinburgh side were denied a way through. This brick wall gave the fullbacks of Crawford and Wilson licence to bomb forward which they graciously accepted, supporting the duo of freshers on either wing. Putting tremendous shifts out wide for the good of the team, Quinn and Lynch showed the commitment which has epitomised the spirit of this team throughout this season so far.

Wilson almost added a second before half-time with a dazzling run reminiscent of Ashley Cole for Chelsea. While it is not known if he has the same sort of personal life, he drove across the park past two defenders before switching the play to the left. Having continued his run to the back post, Wilson climbed high above the left-back to connect with the cross and was unfortunate to see it clip the post and go wide. Claims that he has been around close friend Glendinning too long so has lost his goal scoring instinct were vigorously denied, although comments made off the record may cause controversy.

Having clearly expected a comfortable victory over a supposedly weaker side, Napier could not find a way to deal with an assured performance by the Stirling 3^rd team, but they almost snuck level on the stroke of half-time. A rare moment of indecision meant Mahoney was left in two minds. After taking a touch towards his own goal which let in the striker, it was left to Chapman to perfectly time a lunge and connect with the ball. After a man of the match performance in his last outing, Chapman once again showed the quality he has in his locker giving Coach Craig a welcome headache and showing the depth the squad has.

Half-time words were of encouragement and coming out 5 minutes before the Napier side showed the desire Stirling had to continue their effort and performance for another 45 minutes. It wasn’t long before this attitude came to fruition as Stirling went two ahead. Awarded a free-kick around 25 yards out, calls for a different taker went unheeded by Craig and Barker stepped up. Proving his critics wrong, Barker struck a superlative effort which wrong-footed the keeper and whistled into the net. After a suspect chicken celebration Stirling continued their good work with Betreen and MacDougall running themselves into the ground for the cause.

It wasn’t long before another goal arrived and it was that man Barker who got his third of the game. Following an effort at goal which was spilled out by the keeper, the ball was slotted home to bring out the chicken once again and also comparisons with Barker’s idol Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan. Napier tried in vain to find a way back into the game but they were rebuffed at each time of asking. Communication was key between the back 5 and any threats were immediately snuffed out by the stubborn defence.

Chapman managed to keep the clean sheet the defence strived for intact with a tremendous save late in the game. A long-range strike took an awkward deflection which could have been costly. However Chapman managed to block the ball with a strong left hand, the ball bouncing into the 6 yard box. With the striker bearing down on the ball, Chapman managed to claw the ball away to safety keeping the clean sheet intact.

Countering effectively as they had done all game led to substitute Euan McCall getting in on the action. Having replaced the tired but excellent Betreen, he made a great run in behind the shattered defence. Barker pinged a trademark ball towards MacDougall, who let the ball run past, he claims, into the path of McCall. Holding off the defender well he slotted the ball home calmly at the near post to put Stirling four up and cruising. Jamie Mclean and Connor Wells were introduced in the closing stages for Quinn and Barker. The taking off of Barker for an ovation could hardly be questioned, however with a support of around 20-odd people the noise was hardly deafening.

With the Edinburgh students visibly shaken by what was happening, they could not find a killer instinct to threaten the Stirling side who were keeping the ball excellently. Stevie Boyle was playing superbly, winning tackle after tackle, whilst also keeping the ball efficiently. Covering for his teammates for the full 90 minutes, Boyle put in a man of the match performance that made the decision not to include him in the previous year’s squad a highly embarrassing one for SUFC legend Greg Ure.

Seeing out the rest of the match superbly, apart from a last gasp free kick brillantly palmed out by Mahoney, Stirling celebrated a tremendous result which made it a long journey home for the Edinburgh players. With the match being taped for an Napier student project, they served up a horror show for their viewers while a feel-good movie was created for the Stirling team who have now qualified for the next round, and deservedly so n this outstanding performance. A trip to Fife in the Scottish Cup third round beckons on Saturday for a team sure to be flying on the back of a great result.

Stirling: Chapman, Crawford, Cooper, Mahoney, Wilson, Lynch, Barker (Wells), Boyle, Quinn (McLean), MacDougall, Betreen (McCall) Subs: McCulloch, Bews

Man of the Match (Referee) Stevie Boyle (Players): Will Barker