Stirling 4 Milton 1

After a less than impressive start to life in Division 1, Stirling seem to be finding their feet in the Saturday league once again with an important win against Milton. Playing on the Astroturf could have proved difficult but Stirling took advantage to play some flowing football that in the end deserved the win.

Last season's skipper returned

Stirling came up against tough opposition in Milton, a team who were sitting second in the table before the match. Stirling were caused problems by a side that did not resemble a typical district league side i.e. they tried to play some football without resorting to being over physical.

Stirling welcomed back into the side Ross Chapman, Jonathan Cooper and skipper Stevie Boyle and their influence relaxed a side who had been shaky at times on a Saturday.

The first half was a frenetic affair with both teams having chances and playing some eye-catching football. Playing against an unfamiliar, narrow formation employed by their opponents, Stirling coped well and moved the ball from side to side which unnerved their opponents. This was prove by two substitutions in the first half hour along with a change of formation.

Ryan Quinn was particularly involved early on and made a couple of inviting runs which couldn't quite be converted into chances. However he was to get his reward with a stunning strike to give the students the lead. An incisive ball from Owen Smith, who performed admirably in an alien left back position, reached Quinn 25 yards out. A superb curling effort got up and over the keeper into the far corner to unleash the lizard’s tongue for the second time this season.

Don't know what this picture is, but
unlucky not to keep a clean sheet

Stirling were to face some pressure on the own goal though throughout the first half. From two corners in near succession, Milton hit the inside of the post and the top of the bar which was the piece of luck Stirling had been missing in recent Saturday games this season.

Stirling had another let off as a superb curling shot left Chapman beaten but the ball struck the post and came back out. The waiting Milton striker tapped the ball home, but a tremendous decision by the referee ruled the number ten offside and Stirling were off the hook once again.

They could have made it two before had Graeme Crawford been more clinical. A short corner gave Smith the ball and his whipped cross found Crawford four yards out. However his header cracked the bar and rebounded back out, a chance which left Crawford injured after being clattered by the defender. Half-time arrived with the game still hanging in the balance.

Awww

Stirling began the second half in vibrant fashion, showing renewed vigour as Cooper and Ryan Mahoney began to dominate the two strikers; allowing Stirling to build from the back. They were to double their advantage with fresher Michael Tuohy getting his third goal of the season. Crawford found Tuohy in the centre of the park and, after losing then regaining possession, played a delightful reverse ball in behind the defence to Quinn. The winger drove into the box and cut the ball back to the supporting Tuohy, who swept home in a superb move which deserved its outcome.

Almost immediately however Stirling lost their two goal cushion. Failing to clear a long throw allowed a strike at goal and the unfortunate Tuohy’s block went past the helpless Chapman to give the Milton players hope. Stirling didn't collapse though and pushed forward again towards a defence that was uncomfortable with the pressure applied by ever-willing strike force of Mikey MacDougall and Matty McLachlan.

A third goal arrived from Crawford to settle nerves again when they could have folded. A superb whipped ball to the front post by Smith was met by Crawford and the goalkeeper couldn't keep it out despite getting a strong hand to it.

With confidence back through the side, Stirling managed to get a fourth ten minutes later. Great industry in the middle of the park by Jamie McLean, continuing his good form, led to Quinn being slipped through. Taking the ball on the bounce he lifted it over the keeper as Stirling threatened to run away with the game.

Chapman still had to be alert in goal and he pulled off two smart stops as Milton reminded the students they weren’t out of the game yet. The moment of the match arrived with the two centre half’s and goalkeeper indulging in some impromptu showboating.

Good brace for the lizard

A long ball was going over Cooper’s head but was cut out with a back heel on the stretch which found Mahoney. Two keepy-ups later Chapman was on the ball and after a cheeky touch and knee, he shelled the ball out of the park with Stirling in buoyant mood.

Stirling sat back content with their three goal cushion but invited pressure which could have gone against them. They managed to get their two banks of four sorted and had a couple of half chances before the end of the game, most noticeably a strike from Boyle which was spilled by the goalkeeper.

Stirling came through this tough test which will stand them in good stead for up-coming games. Glasgow University 2^nd’s away is the task facing the team on Wednesday, a game which could put the opposition out of sight in the promotion race. A result like this can only be beneficial for the confidence of the side.

John Ingles/Ref’s Man of the Match: Graeme Crawford

Stirling: Chapman, Crawford, Cooper, Mahoney, Smith, McLean, Boyle, Tuohy (MacDonald), Quinn, McLachlan (McCall), MacDougall Subs: Wells, Gillespie

Stirling 2 Aberdeen 2’s 0

After a disappointing defeat on Saturday, Stirling had the chance to right those wrongs against Aberdeen University’s 2^nd team. Having taken 6 points from 6, this win put them back top of the league and in superb position to gain the promotion which has eluded them for the last few years.

Stirling were comfortable throughout this game against a team which were significantly weaker than the standard they have been used to in league 4A. The away side failed to create a significant threat at any point throughout the game and Stirling could, and should have scored far more than the just two.

Unfortunate just to score 1

The home side dominated from the off and kept the ball successfully while trying to suss out the opposition. Stirling’s strike force of John McCallum and Michael MacDougall formed a great partnership and were providing great movement up front.

McCallum was given Stirling’s first chance of the game after MacDougall whipped an inviting cross in from the left. With the centre half misjudging the flight of the ball, McCallum had a free header which he could only direct wide of the far post. He had the chance to open the scoring not long after, when released through on goal, but a slightly heavy touch allowed the keeper to smother.

Stirling were maintaining their pressure well due to unyielding defence, Connor Wells in particular dominating the aerial battle with Aberdeen’s front two. They were to be rewarded when McCallum managed to get on the score sheet. A long ball from well was flicked on brilliantly by MacDougall and left his strike partner one v one with the keeper. Knocking it past the onrushing number 1, McCallum slotted home to give a deserved lead to the home side.

Stirling continued to dominate with returning keeper Ross Harkness left with very little to do throughout the match. The 45 minutes was reached with Aberdeen under constant pressure and chasing shadows against a much superior side.

Not camp at all...

Stirling came out to a shaky start in the second half as they gave possession away cheaply. However a stubborn defence repelled any threat Aberdeen brought their way, and they began to settle once again after ten minutes. The central midfield pairing of Michael Tuohy and Owen smith were always on the lookout for the ball and were feeding the strike force superbly. On another day the Aberdeenshire side could have been going home on the back of a hammering; with Ryan Quinn and Jamie McLean on either flank providing a constant threat with their direct running.

The Aberdeen number 14 was not endearing himself to the home side or his teammates in fact, with repeated outburst against anyone within earshot. He was lucky to stay on the park after trying to catch Ryan McCue late and, when unsuccessful, aiming an elbow in Quinn’s direction. Both were booked in the aftermath of the elbow, as was full-back Graeme Crawford for a retaliatory kick in less than athletic ‘player’s direction.

It's only fair a poor photo of me goes up too

Stirling couldn't quite find the finish to substantiate the scoreline and it wasn't until the final five minutes they added some gloss to the scoreline. Substitute Ryan Lynch found the on-coming Crawford in the centre of the park and he continued his run. His on target shot clipped the back of the defender and looped over the unfortunate keeper.

A comfortable win for the Stirling side which could have looked a lot more secure had they finished their chances but it keeps the 100% record in the Wednesday league going and puts them in pole position for the step up league 3A at the end of the season.

Man of the Match: Michael Tuohy

Stirling: Harkness, Crawford, Wells, Gillespie, McCue, McLean (Lynch), Smith, Tuohy, Quinn (MacDonald), MacDougall (Gemmell), McCallum Subs: McCulloch, Reid

P.s. It’s definitely my goal!

Musselburgh 0 Stirling 4

Depleted squad move into the next round

Stirling moved into the next round of the East of Scotland cup with a comfortable win by the seaside. Playing a team that had given Stirling’s second team a tough game two weeks previous, Stirling were braced for a defensive performance against a so-called ‘superior’ team. However Stirling showed their class to run out comfortable winners even though they had only 11 players available and Coach Tommy Craig being forced to 

make an appearance in the final 15 minutes.

On a blustery afternoon Stirling, once again, arrived with little time for a warm up but showed no signs of a slow start as they held possession well early on. The first chance came from a quick gamble by Matty McLachlan to leave him through on the keeper. Fortunately for the home defence the striker snatched his shot across goal.

Stirling continued the pressure with their opponent’s content to fire long balls towards the commanding centre half pairing of the chirpy Ryan Mahoney and Fraser Gillespie. The duo dealt easily with the threat, Mahoney even throwing some tricks in against the attacking players. Right back Graeme Crawford almost set up a goal but the ball was blocked when cut back from the by-line.

What the...

They were rewarded for their dominance with the opening goal as Connor Wells doubled his tally for the season. Enterprising play by Owen Smith to keep the ball in allowed Ryan McCue to get to the by-line. Showing no signs of last week’s knockout punch, the curly haired full-back found Wells unmarked and he powered the header past the ‘keeper.

The remainder of the half was scrappy as Stirling’s tempo began to drop and they were giving away easy possession to their opponents. Musselburgh couldn’t make anything of this drop in form though, threatening only through their striker ‘Chico’ but Stirling defended well against the greedy forward. McLachlan and Smith had a couple of half chances but were unable to take them; a sign of things to come for McLachlan.

Stirling came out for the second half confident and, after a slight spell of Musselburgh possession which still failed to test Fraser Meechan with a shot at goal, Stirling doubled their lead and ended the game as a contest.

'Model'

Smith managed to get his first two goals for the club which crushed the home side’s hope of a comeback. Picking the ball up down the left, Smith got past his defender, who had just came on, in the corner before jinking inside past another defender. His shot had too much power for the goalkeeper and he could only palm into the net.

He took the score to three only a couple of minutes later as a ball in from fresher Richard MacDonald down the right was cleared by the unfortunate fullback straight to Smith at the edge of the area and he drilled a sweet strike into the bottom corner to end the Musselburgh challenge.

Stirling were sitting back and with the home side running out of ideas, they took their foot off the pedal and began to lose sloppy possession. They did manage to add to their lead however as McLachlan got on the score sheet. MacDonald played a neat ball in behind the defender and McLaughlin rifled a shot past the stationary keeper although this was not the main moment of his match.

This arrived with twenty minutes left as miss of the season grabbed hold of an early contender. Superb play from Jamie MacLean through the middle, which was a feature of the game, beating two men neatly and getting to the by-line set up the chance. His dinked cross left McLachlan two yards out and he managed to blaze over on the bounce ruining his good performance previously.

On the pull as usual

He conveniently suffered a hamstring injury soon after, which brought about a sight no football fan wants to see. The sight of Craig getting ready to come on at the sideline strikes fear into his own teammates and Stirling immediately when defensive as a four goal comeback seemed a distinct possibility.

In shocking scenes Craig nearly scored, which may have led to Mikey MacDougall going AWOL on a permanent basis. A cut back from Smith after over-running the chance for his hat-trick left the ball 6 yards out. A good connection gave it a chance but the keeper’s legs kept the ball from being burst and all football games being cancelled until further notice.

The game fizzled out to a conclusion and leaves Stirling with a trip to Premier Division league leaders Bluebell in late November. Stirling will take heart from a good win with a depleted squad and bring this into Wednesdays game at home to Heriot Watt 3’s; a cup game they have to win.

Referee’s, and most important, MoM; Graeme Crawford (Although I have no idea why)

Combined decision MoM: Owen Smith

Stirling: Meechan, Crawford, Gillespie, Mahoney, McCue, MacDonald, Wells, MacLean, Lynch, Smith, McLachlan (Craig)

Camelon Albion 0 Stirling 4

Stirling bounce back to kick start their league campaign

Stirling returned to winning ways, giving a much-needed boost to the squad after 3 straight defeats. The university side put on a brave display in the face of some underhand tactics by their opponents.

Return of a icon.

Stirling made a few changes to the previous week with Ross Chapman, Owen Smith and Mikey MacDougall all returning to starting berths. There was also a return for SUFC icon Chris Betreen who threw on the number 9 shirt one more time.

With the pitch provided by the home side looking more suited to a rugby game, Stirling had to be careful from the off to maintain possession as to not allow any mistakes on the tricky surface.

There were no signs of this though as Stirling pressed early on. Ryan Quinn was heavily involved as he escaped from under the girlfriend's thumb to drive through the heart of Camelon’s midfield time and again. Unfortunately the final ball couldn't quite beat a stubborn Camelon back five.

Undeterred by the student’s fine start, Camelon pinned their opponents back with a barrage of throw-ins and corners which were defended well by the men in white. Chapman pulled off a fine save to keep the scores level, diving across to his left to parry a shot from 18 yards.

Freshers has began his SUFC career well

This sparked Stirling into life and they took the lead with fresher Michael Tuohy getting his second of the season. After a driving run from Smith the ball made its way to Betreen. Unselfishly he spurned the shot a goal to leave Tuohy with an empty net to trickle the ball into. It’s been an impressive start to the fresher’s time in the 3^rd team and, with games, this will surely continue.

The remainder of the half was an even affair with Stirling perhaps on top through their better use of the ball. Betreen was unfortunate not to score as the Camelon number one made a couple of good stops. At the very end of the half he could have doubled the lead but the shot was skewed wide after intricate play down the 

right by MacDougall and Graeme Crawford.

The second half was more comfortable occasion for the away team as they doubled their lead early on in the second half. A whipped corner at the front post arrived at Ryan Mahoney’s feet in the box. He fired towards goal through a crowd of bodies and the dubious goals committee has ruled, inexplicably, in his favour as he broke his duck for the season.

Camelon were threatening through their slightly rotund, but pacey, striker and he slipped his strike-partner thorough on goal to give a glimmer of hope to the home side after going two goals down. The ball beat Chapman but went wide of the far post giving Stirling a major let-off. The shaky moments continued as a cross to the front post was misjudged by an off balance Mahoney, and the resultant header was clawed away by a surprised Chapman.

The nature of the game changed on the referee’s decision in the build-up to Stirling’s third goal. Smith caught the ball just before the touchline and the resultant play led to Betreen being in behind the Camelon defence. Typically he remained calm and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to keep his remarkable scoring record for the third team going.

Camelon lost their heads at this point and began to take it out on anyone who wasn't a member of the home side, the referee receiving he majority of the abuse. Every 50/50 became a chance to try and hurt a Stirling player as they couldn't accept their oppositions passing play.

Floored

Ryan McCue was to feel the brunt of the opponent’s frustration as he was struck off the ball in a cowardly act, seen by the home sideline but not punished by removing the player from the park. Returning to the ages of violence on the park is a poor reflection on the state of the game at this level and changes should be made to allow football to be the focus of everyone’s attention.

Stirling added a fourth near the end with the scrappiest goal of the season so far. A corner was returned into the area and, after getting stuck under substitute McLachlan’s feet, was scooped towards goal by Betreen and turned home by Crawford to get to seven for the season.

The game was played out with arguments between the Camelon side and the referee dominating proceedings and Stirling saw the game out to take a much needed three points. The clean sheet was a bonus for a side who have conceded too many goals recently and this will stand them in good stead for next week’s cup tie.

Stirling: Chapman, Crawford, Gillespie, Mahoney, McCue, Lynch (Rathore), Smith, Tuohy (Wells), Quinn, MacDougall (McLachlan), Betreen

Stirling 8 Edinburgh 4’s 0

Dominant win over title rivals

Coming off the back of a disappointing defeat at the weekend, Stirling faced a tough test against a team that came down from the league above last year. The home side never gave the visitors a sniff in an over-powering display that sees them sit atop the table with six points out of six.

Stirling wasted no time in taking the lead after the awarded an indirect free kick due to a passback. After encroachment on the first effort, Darren Dalrymple fired home at the near post to give Stirling the perfect start.

Loan move to France paying off

Stirling were spraying the ball around well, rarely putting the ball in the air as Edinburgh struggled to get into the game. The movement from Dalrymple and his strike partner John McCallum was excellent, giving an option at all times for the ball carrier.

Stirling’s two central midfielders, Stevie Boyle and fresher Craig Fergusson, were battling brilliantly against their counterparts, nicking the ball back crucially time and again to set up counter attacks. It was Fergusson who was to double Stirling’s lead with a wonderfully executed chip from the edge of the area, leaving the keeper stranded and Stirling two goals up.

Not satisfied with the lead Stirling continued to press forward against a shell-shocked visiting side and made it three when Ryan Lynch got on the score sheet. A wonderfully crafted ball from Owen Smith was bravely won at the near post by McCallum, giving Lynch the simple task of tapping home with the goalkeeper stranded.

The goal of the game arrived after half an hour as Dalrymple added a second to his collection. After patient possession the ball was switched to Graeme Crawford at right back. Ferguson made an intelligent run in-between the defence and picked up the pass in behind. Whipping the ball across the box first time, Dalrymple was unmarked at the back post and slotted past an increasingly dejected Edinburgh number one.

Quiet day for McCulloch

Kieran McCulloch made his first start of the season in goal but was rarely tested, but for a few wayward shots from distance. Stirling were to make it five before half-time as Crawford scored from the spot after a dubious call by the referee; giving a penalty for shirt tugging which could have went either way.

Determined not to concede and also send a message out to their league 4A opponents, Stirling continued to work hard to maintain their high standard of performance. Goal number six arrived five minutes into the second half as Crawford got his second. A cleared corner was returned out to Ryan McCue and his ball was inch perfect, and Crawford could hardly miss due to the quality of delivery.

With their opponents down and out Stirling made some change with Ian Bailey and Michael Tuohy replacing Smith and Boyle respectively. Tuohy picked up where the skipper had left off, picking up the ball and keeping it efficiently in what was an impressive debut in Stirling green.

Stirling were putting on a fine display and could have added more to their lead if it wasn't for some last second decisions going astray. McCallum got the goal his play deserved as the scoreboard clicked over to seven with half an hour to go. Great play down the left ended with Dalrymple’s square ball finding his strike partner who caressed the ball home with his left foot.

Debut 'goal' for Gemmell

Peter Gemmell was next to make his debut and nearly scored with his first touch as he couldn't quite squeeze a strike away from a tight angle. The only real moment of danger for Stirling arrived when a nice turn inside the area left McCulloch exposed but the striker fired into the side netting.

Stirling’s final goal of the day was debateable to say the least. Great running from Gemmell left him through on goal. After avoiding the defender’s challenge, he rounded the goalkeeper only to be tripped as he looked to finish. The ball was cleared more than a yard from the line but the goal was given; more to save the capital side’s defender from a red card than a genuine error by the referee.

Stirling saw the game out to a close, still pushing forward but unable to add to their massive margin of victory. The final whistle went with a clean sheet intact, which was more than deserved by the central defensive pairing of Fraser Gillespie and Marc Redmond; who formed a solid pairing despite it being their first game together.

The home side more than deserved their win and a few more goals could have rewarded the number of fine performances produced by the men in green. With the capital outfit expected to be Stirling’s main title contenders, a rethink may have to happen as Stirling have a superb chance of achieving promotion that has just eluded them over the past few years.

Man of the match: Darren Dalrymple/John McCallum

Stirling: McCulloch, Crawford, Gillespie, Redmond, McCue, Lynch (Gemmell), Boyle (Tuohy), Fergusson, Smith (Bailey), McCallum, Dalrymple                      Subs: Chapman, MacDougall

Stirling 3 Glasgow 2's 2

Stirling 3 Glasgow 2’s 2

Old foes downed as Stirling kick off their season

Stirling stole a march on their Glaswegian counterparts by taking the spoils on a baking hot afternoon. Combining this with a pristine playing surface, it was a superb day for football and Stirling took advantage to secure 3 points.

Linked well with MacDougall

The home side got off to a flyer after they were awarded a debateable penalty two minutes in. Good link play between Ian Bailey and Mikey MacDougall left the latter clear in the box. The challenge did come from behind but seemed to get the ball; and with no real claims from the Stirling side it was a surprise to see the spot kick awarded. Graeme Crawford stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way as they snapped up the early bonus.

Stirling were maintaining the ball with the early goal settling any nerves. Ryan Quinn had a glorious chance to net from 12 yards after a cutback, but he blazed over. However they suffered injuries to both their central midfielders within five minutes of each other and had to react accordingly. Connor Wells was first off being replaced by fresher to the team Connor Reid who coped well with being thrown in at the deep end for his first game in the Stirling 3^rd team.

Captain Stevie Boyle was next to break down as a recurrent groin injury hampers his start to the campaign. Fresh from six months in France, John McCallum replaced the bearded skipper and showed his qualities hadn’t disappeared while he had been away.

The changes altered the flow of the play to an extent as Glasgow began have the better of possession. Playing with advanced wingers and one striker was a different option than the home side normally come up against, but they were diligent enough to keep chances down to long range efforts which time and again failed to trouble the Stirling goal.

First appearance for the Polar Bears

Crawford almost gave away Stirling’s advantage when a slack header forced Stephen Donnelly into action, making a fine save down low. Making his first appearance for the Polar Bears, Donnelly, after a shaky start, looked composed and dealt well with the aerial threat the away side possessed.

Coming out from the break Stirling caught their opponents napping once again and doubled their lead. A quick throw down the right released MacDougall who spun his defender well and attacking the front post Bailey got the final touch on the driven cross to put Stirling two ahead.

While Glasgow were having the majority of the ball, Stirling dealt with the runners effectively; the centre half pairing of David Dixon and Graeme Lindsay being particularly strong and didn’t give the striker a sniff at goal all day.

Stirling were to pay for allowing Glasgow too much time and space however as they conceded with twenty five minutes left. After a few near misses, Glasgow made the breakthrough from a corner; although it was clearly the wrong decision after Dixon had shielded the ball out of play. The towering centre half got up at the back post to head home and give Glasgow hope.

Stirling weren’t finished yet however and got a crucial third soon after. The two wide and front-men put a tremendous shift in for the team and in the second half gave the defence a much needed breather.

Man of the Match did everything but score

Lindsay went inches wide with a rocket of a free kick, shaving the outside of the post and almost ending the goal of the season competition early on. Mikey MacDougall in particular was a constant menace to the visiting side and ensured they didn’t get a moments rest. With Bailey in support the two linked well to keep the pressure up on their opponents and it was MacDougall who set up the third.

Great driving play down the left hand side of the box set up his cross which arrived at Ryan Lynch. He had the simple task of knocking home to add back Stirling’s two goal cushion which disappeared almost as quickly as it arrived.

Ethan Rathore made his debut replacing man of the match MacDougall and gave a different option in the last few minutes. Ryan Lynch replaced Quinn in order to give some fresh legs against a desperate visiting outfit but not before he endured a moment to forget. After enterprising work, MacDougall managed to get the ball across to the 6 foot reptile. A scuff into the ground ensued and shortly after he scuttled away to the sidelines.

Glasgow got a second with five minutes left as Lynch misplaced a pass and the away side pounced. A quick through ball released the striker and his shot was saved but rebound off his shins and rolled over the line to set a nervy last few minutes. Lindsay nearly sealed the win after a marauding run beating three players before his skill limit hit full and he was blocked.

However Stirling kept the ball and saw the game out to take the 3 points. Stirling will be delighted with the win against one of the main challengers for the division 4 title this season and winning their home games will be a big step in gaining promotion this year.

Man of the Match: Mikey MacDougall

Stirling: Donnelly, Crawford, Lindsay, Dixon, McCue, Quinn (Lynch), Boyle (McCallum), Wells (Reid), Smith, MacDougall (Rathore), Bailey               Subs: Chapman

Slamannan 2 Stirling Uni 3

Slamannan 2 Stirling Uni 3

League campaign kicks off with a win

Stirling began life in Division 1 with a battling performance away to Slamannan which will stand the students in good stead for the season ahead. With the home side receiving 6 yellow cards and a sending off, Stirling can be commended on maintaining their composure to get the victory.

The university side have yet to find a settled side as is customary at this stage of the season so had to gel as a unit quickly. They did so quite well in the early stages but couldn't find the final pass in order to convert their possession.

Slamannan had the first clear cut chance of the match when the speedy striker rattled a post from close range giving the students a clear wake up call. With Cameron Mitchell getting more of the ball in the centre of the park, the uni began to create and look more of a threat.

Mikey MacDougall was first to see the whites of the keeper’s eyes. Latching on to a through ball he composed himself well before seeing the keeper pull off a great block to keep it goalless.

Having not learned enough from the earlier chance Stirling’s woodwork was in danger once again as the diminutive striker was first to a low cross and clipped the bar as Stirling were nearly undone once again.

Matty McLaughlin had the chance to open his account for the season soon after however as after good lay from Mitchell left Graeme Crawford facing up the home side’s defence. Crawford managed to find McLaughlin whose shot across the face of goal was smothered by the Slamannan No.1.

Stirling broke through shortly before half-time however and it came from the penalty sport. Chasing down a ball over the top, McLaughlin’s desire got him there ahead of the defender and he was chopped down. Crawford stepped up and, using the ‘Will Barker Penalty Taking Guide’, went low to the keeper’s right to give the students the lead.

The second half went more according to plan as Stirling kept the ball much to the frustration of their opponents. The referee had tried to keep his cards in his pockets but he was forced to act as time and again Stirling players were hauled down as they were punished for their better play.

They took advantage of their opponents red mist to double their lead on the hour. Mitchell showed tremendous vision to play in Crawford down the right and McLaughlin got in front of his marker to convert the drilled cross.

New captain Stevie Boyle had been leading his new charges superbly in the middle of the park, allowing the players in attack the freedom to take the extra risks. The game changed when his withdrawal was enforced due to the recurrence of a groin injury. However the introduction of Connor Wells certainly wasn't an uneventful one.

Owen Smith also joined the action replacing the committed MacDougall in playing just off the striker.

Stirling were to give themselves a scare when they gave away a penalty with 20 minutes left. Straight after a ball had flashed across the home side’s goal evading Mitchell and McLaughlin, the home side broke forward. A dinked ball towards the winger hit Wells on the shoulder but the movement of his arm towards the ball convinced the referee to point to the spot for the second time. Ross Chapman guessed correctly but there was too much power and the home side had a lifeline.

Crawford had the chance to seal the game by laying in Smith on a counter but his dallying on the ball meant by the time it arrived at Smith’s feet, the chance was gone. Although the defending by the one remaining defender has to be applauded.

Ryan Lynch replaced Ian Bailey as Stirling looked to retain possession with the clock running down. Wells was atone for the penalty incident with a crisp strike from 20 yards into the bottom corner giving the students a cushion they would come to need in the closing minutes.

The home side were reduced to ten men after Mitchell committed a foul and the central midfielder took exception, giving the creative midfielder a kick and push in the face for his trouble. Slamannan made one final effort at overturning the lead and made it 3-2 after a good strike from outside the box snuck in at the near post after Stirling failed to react to a quick free kick.

Stirling held out though to take 3 points that on another day could have been lost had the students not kept their composure. For their second competitive game as a squad Coach Tommy Craig will be pleased to see they have not lost their winning mentality over the summer break. With more match practice will surely come better performances but 3 points is all what they wanted from this early season encounter.

Coach’s Man of the Match: Ryan Mahoney

Stirling: Chapman, Dixon, Mahoney, Charles, McCue, Crawford, Boyle (Wells), Mitchell, Bailey (Lynch), McLaughlin, MacDougall (Smith) Subs: Meechan, McLean,

Stirling 2 Loganlea 0



Parade around Stirling to be arranged



Title glory for deserving students

Stirling clinched the title with a comfortable win which saw them become the university side to move out of the league for the first time since their entry into the Stirling and District set-up in the late 1970’s.

The result was far more comfortable on the day than the scoreline suggests as the students made the most of their time on Stirling’s version of Wembley, the Stade De Gowrie. It may be a while before any of the team get to return to grace the park and they put on a terrific showing, providing the 20-strong support at the sidelines with a day to remember before Final Fling in the evening.

After the 5-1 win over Zetland in midweek, Stirling were full of confidence and this showed as they took control of the game from the off. The students looked determined as they tried to carve open a side who gave them one of their toughest games of the season in the reverse fixture, winning 1-0 in a hostile away match.



Quinn in impressive form



Ryan Quinn has been in imperious form down the left in the final games of the season and could have opened the scoring after just ten minutes. Released by a slide-rule Boyle pass through the centre, Quinn outstripped the defenders for pace but could only shoot straight at the keeper as Stirling settled well.

Chris Betreen and Matty McLaughlin have been in outstanding scoring touch recently, with 11 in the last 5 before this, and both looked dangerous once again as their movement caused havoc for the Loganlea backline.

It was top scorer Betreen who had the first attempt at keeping the streak going beating the offside trap to bare down on the keeper. Rounding the goalie, he did well to stay on his feet before shooting but the shot lacked enough power and the covering defender managed to clear.

Stirling looked dangerous every time they went forward with Will Barker in a typically creative mood. Spraying balls from side-to-side he was giving the kind of display that saw him named player of the year at the end of season awards. Ably assisted by Stevie Boyle, the two central midfielders were dictating the play as the students tried to get the win they need to secure the title.

They were to get the opener after 25 minutes and it was McLaughlin who got it. After another run from Quinn had escaped the troubled Loganlea right-back, he squared the ball across the penalty area. After Betreen couldn’t get there at the front post, McLaughlin arrived at the back to tap home, ease Stirling nerves and give the home crowd a chance to get their vuvuzela’s out.



Mahoney in typical 'Taps Aff' fashion.



Playing in their final games as students of the university, Ryan Mahoney and returning skipper Jono Cooper were commanding as ever in the heart of the defence not giving the opposition strike-force a sniff. Backed by James Brodie and Graeme Crawford in the fullback slots, Loganlea never got into the game, as an attacking force, at any stage.

Barker almost added to the lead after arriving late into the box to connect with Quinn’s cross but the Shrewsbury born number 7 couldn't direct his header away from the keeper and it was blocked away to safety. Stirling couldn’t force a second goal before half-time but went into the break buoyed by their first half performance, on a pitch that had deteriorated with a season’s worth of wear and tear to contend with.

The students were again dominant in the second period with Loganlea seemingly conceding that the students were the better side and deserved the trophy that was almost theirs. Unlike in midweek, the students kept up their level of performance in the second 45 and looked dangerous every time they went forward.

Mahoney rifled a free kick into the wall from a dangerous position, Barker put a free kick over the bar and McLaughlin had an effort saved by the keeper as Stirling continued to pile pressure on the defence.

The central midfield pairing of Loganlea began to see more of the ball as the half wore on and from a ball in behind, they nearly grabbed an undeserved equaliser. Cooper blocked a ball through and tried to take the ball out of defence. He was robbed by the opposing striker and with a first time hit the young left winger for Loganlea rattled the post from 20 yards.



MacDougall almost added
to the scoreline. It's meant to
be Blue Peter  by the way.
"Thinking outside the box".



Taking advantage of the let off Stirling sealed the win as Crawford got into double figures for the season. A drilled corner from Barker went through everyone to the back post and seemingly away from danger. The defender’s clearance though, rebounded off his own man and fell kindly to Crawford 6 yards out who tapped home spreading relief through the Stirling ranks.

MacDougall replaced a tired Betreen up front while Barker was forced off with an injury, McLean coming on with McCall moving inside one. MacDougall had the chance to grab a goal on the hallowed turf after Crawford cut the ball back from the by-line, but his shot from 8 yards went up and over the bar as Stirling looked to add some gloss to the scoreline.

Connor Wells, with the gorgeous Sharon Wells watching on, replaced McCall in the centre of the park and almost scored moments after coming on. McLaughlin managed to run in behind and, going with the shout, cut the ball back to the edge of the area. Wells, even with his new aerodynamic haircut, couldn't get there quickly enough and the keeper smothered the ball at his feet.

Stirling played out the remaining time comfortably against a tired Loganlea side, which fell out of the title race a couple of weeks previous. With the sideline cheering every pass, Stirling played the game out and knew the title was theirs.



Captain will be a
big miss next season.



The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes as the students got their just reward for a tough season and there was a mini pitch invasion from the supporters as they joined in with the victorious songs. With the champagne empty, party poppers popped and the toy trophy presented, the students retreated to the changing rooms where the first of many beverages was cracked open and the third team went to Final Fling as Stirling and District League Champions.

Ecstatic captain Cooper said “I’m over the moon for the boys and delighted we have got from the season what we deserved. A lot of thanks must go to our coaches Tommy Craig and Gavin Skelton who have been exceptional throughout the year for us. In what could be my last season as a university player, it is a brilliant feeling to win the title as captain and get the team promoted for the first time in its history.”

James Brodie was unavailable for comment due to drunken circumstances.

Speacial mention must go to Ryan Mahoney, Jono Cooper, Matty McLaughlin, Chris Betreen and James Brodie who are in their final year as students and all will be massively missed.

Man of the Match: Ryan Quinn

Stirling: Harkness, Crawford, Cooper, Mahoney, Brodie, McCall, Barker (McLean), Boyle, Quinn, Betreen (MacDougall), McLaughlin    Subs: Chapman, Lynch