Stirling 3 Riverside 0

Students take the derby spoils after scrappy performance

Stirling returned to action after midweek disappointment in the BUCS cup with victory over local rivals Riverside. A scrappy first half was countered with a dominant performance in the second period as the student’s superior fitness shone through and their opponents had no answer.

Stirling made some changes from midweek with Tom Flanagan, Jamie McLean, Connor Wells and Matty McLaughlin all taking their place in the starting line-up. The first half was bereft of chances as both teams struggled maintain possession. The better work was coming from Stirling although they struggled to break down a compact Riverside outfit, who had switched to a 4-5-1 compared to the traditional 4-4-2 they played in the previous meeting this season.

McLean and Ryan Quinn were causing trouble down the flanks but the final ball was lacking as Stirling’s strike force were unable to beat the Riverside defence. Stirling were looking dangerous with the ball on the floor but this was all too lacking in a first half of long balls which were being mopped up as the taller Riverside backline won almost every header. Riverside almost took an undeserved lead as Ross Harkness’ post was clipped nearing the half hour mark.  A testing long throw was Riverside’s only threat and as Stirling failed to deal with it, a flicked header almost lost the initiative Stirling had began to build.



Will 'Mental' Barker set Stirling on their way



The creative Will Barker was to break the deadlock on the stroke of half time. After the ball was whipped in from the left the clearing header found Barker on the 18 yard line. Calmly taking the ball on the half volley Barker struck the ball past the motionless keeper and giving Stirling cushion to take into the half-time jelly baby break.

Stirling came out a different side in the second half as their opponent’s legs began to wilt as many a Friday night out seemed to take its toll on a few of the Riverside’s players. Stirling maintained possession better than the first period and the extra running was too much for the opposition. The Stirling midfield four were working better as a unit, creating chances for the strike force of MacLaughlin and danger man Chris Betreen.



Man's man McCall took advanatge of tired legs



Stirling struggled to find the back of the net once again however as chances continually went a begging. The introduction of Euan McCall in centre midfield made a noticeable difference as McCall managed to get forward in support of the strikers and give a much needed energy that had been lacking. The ball finally crossed the line for a second time as MacLaughlin broke through the defence to get a deserved goal for his efforts. Chasing a ball down the middle, MacLaughlin got there ahead of the defender and, after the break of the ball, finished confidently past the goalkeeper.



It wasn't long before a third goal came and it was not a spectacle for the onlookers. After a soon-to-be trademark drive down the right Mclean cut the ball across to the arriving Stirling support. Barker managed to knock the ball towards goal only to be denied by Riverside arm. The rebound dropped to Betreen who in turn managed fall over, miss-time his effort but still see it trickle over the line to continue his impressive scoring record for the 3^rd team.

The remainder of the game was all Stirling as Harkness in goal could have joined the spectators on the touchline; such was the lack of goal threat from the visitors. Stirling could have been four ahead had captain Jono Cooper had more of a striker’s instinct, as a wonderful delivery trundled off every part of Cooper’s body before the goalkeeper was able to collect. McCall almost made the scoreline more secure after some delightful build up left McCall with a chance at goal, unfortunately the attempted lob drifted wide and a brilliant goal was missed. There was still time for the introduction of fan’s favourite Charles Owusu, for MacLaughlin, who added some spice to the game with his pace and enthusiasm as Stirling saw the game out well.

Stirling will be happy with the three points as they topped the league for the first time this season with a perfect 6 wins out of 6. However their lack of goals compared to chances is again a worry and players throughout the team will need to step up and stop the heavy reliance on certain individuals. Stirling go into Wednesday’s game with Glasgow Uni 2’s knowing they need a win so hopefully the bright lights of Recreation Park will inspire some unlikely goal scorers and they will get the win they need.

Ref’s Man of the Match: Will Barker

Stirling: Harkness, Flanagan, Cooper, Mahoney, Brodie, McLean, Wells (McLean), Barker, Quinn (Owusu), MacLaughlin, Betreen   Subs: Crawford