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 6th 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
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