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
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