Stirling 1 Zetland 0

Better late than never for students.

Stirling left it late to extend their 100% record in the Stirling and District league as they overcame a stubborn Zetland side. Coming into a tough spell of 5 games in 11 days, Stirling battled to a victory and two points gained in what could be a very tight league come the end of the season.



Always Prepared

 Ross Harkness returned in the sticks while Jason Bolam took his place up top after being unavailable for the previous few games. Stirling began brightly with Ryan Quinn achieving some success down the left, linking up with Bolam as both teams tried to settle.

The home side were nearly in front after 5 minutes as Ryan Mahoney met a Will Barker delivery at the far post, only to see his header strike the post and come back out. Within minutes another chance beckoned as a searching ball in behind left Jamie McLean clean through. Unfortunately the return of the ‘McLean stumble’ meant his first touch was too heavy and the keeper collected.


Unfortunate

Chris Betreen had a chance on the 25 minute mark as he fought his way past the closing defender and struck a fierce effort across goal; only to see it miss the target and any arriving Stirling players. The English front man came even closer ten minutes later as he rattled a post as Stirling inched closer to a goal. After good build up down the left, Bolam slipped a lovely ball inside to Betreen who seemed to stumble before striking a daisy-cutter which had the keeper beaten, but not the post.

For all their hustle and bustle, Zetland were not creating much against the Stirling backline which repelled any attacks with consummate ease. Stirling, however, where struggling against the weight of numbers in the centre of the park and consequently struggled to mount many attacks of their own. Half-time arrived with Stirling content with their own performance, but not of the referees who seemed to have forgotten that it was a contact sport; at least when it came to Stirling players.

Coming out into the second half, the students upped the tempo and began to create more space in the wide areas. Bolam and Betreen were running the Zetland defence ragged with constant movement although they were unable to threaten the scorers too often. Fullbacks James Brodie and Graeme Crawford, as well as Mahoney and Will Barker, were exerting more of an influence in the second half which pushed Stirling forward and gave an added threat they were missing in the first.




Ryan Lynch and Mikey MacDougall replaced McLean and Quinn on either wing as Stirling looked for a spark to their attacking play. Stirling were being hampered by poor decision after poor decision from a referee who seemed intent on an away win. Stirling were forced to contend against the 12 men as they were penalised for the most in-noxious of fouls time and again.

 




Quiet day



 A succession of set plays gave the home side a chance of snatching a goal but they were unable to take advantage despite the terrific delivery. Stirling were looking comfortable in defence, emphasized by Harkness having little do the entire match and having time to indulge in banter towards the referee such was his passive involvement.



Converted a Barker corner



Just as Zetland seemed to sense an undeserved point, Stirling pinched a winner 5 minutes from time. With yet another corner whipped into the near post, Crawford managed to lose his marker and head across goal. With the referee itching to disallow the goal due to the man on the line, he was denied as the ball bounced over the line then into the roof of the net via the defenders desperation kick.

The final whistle sounded to the frustration of a Zetland side which boiled over and Mahoney was headbutted which led to a red card for the Zetland man. It wasn't quite Zinedine Zidane in the World Cup final but nothing is in the district league. Mahoney did well to restrain himself and it sets up an interesting away trip for the Stiring side later in the season after the Mohammed Ali punch Crawford received last year away to Stirling Thistle.

This was no more than Stirling deserved as the continued their fine start to the Saturday league and moved to the top of the league for the first time this season. With games coming thick and fast the students will look to take their good form into the Tullibody match on Wednesday. A clash between two of the promotion favourites could have a considerable bearing on where the title rests at the end of the season.

Man of the Match: Ryan Mahoney

Stirling: Harkness, Crawford, Cooper, Mahoney, Brodie, McLean (Lynch), Barker, Boyle, Quinn (MacDougall), Betreen, Bolam Subs: Meechan, Flanagan, Wells

Drumpellier Thistle 1 Stirling 3

Stirling ease through to next round



Ryan Lynch impressed



Stirling came through yet another cup tie as the league has been put to the side for now. Having only played 5 league games it is another competition they may have preferred not to have, but it is another chance at silverware for this deserving side.

Stirling took control of the match from the off against a side a division above but not at a standard befitting this. Possession was maintained comfortably as they stretched the Cumbernauld side early on. Ryan Lynch was involved heavily in the early exchanges beating his man time and again, with the linkup between himself, Stevie Boyle and Will Barker being a particular highlight.

Stirling were to take the lead in typical Chris Betreen fashion. A delightful dinked ball through the middle was taken in his stride and powered across the goalkeeper into the bottom left corner. It was no more than the university outfit deserved and they continued to cause the Thistle defence problems. Euan McCall was holding the ball up well and bringing wide men Jamie McLean and Lynch into play to great effect although a second goal remained out of reach for the minute.

Jono Cooper and Tom Flanagan were giving tremendous cover to allow James Brodie and Graeme Crawford to push forward in support without having the backline exposed. Crawford almost gave Stirling a cushion when a header from a corner was played back across goal and was cleared a yard from the line. The game was becoming stretched as the fitness of the Thistle players didn’t match up to going forward and tracking back too often and as such, Barker and Boyle were exploiting the gaps through the middle. Unfortunately the Stirling side couldn’t quite find the target with their efforts on goal.

Man of the Match with a double

Thistle nearly equalised when a header from a corner clipped the back post with returning keeper Ross Harkness stranded. Stirling were to go into half time with a second goal in their locker however after the goalkeeper gave away a penalty. Boyle had broken from midfield and got the break of the ball in the box. Taking a touch round the keeper, he was ready to slot home but was denied as the keeper took him down. Barker stepped up and in trademark fashion, stroked it into the bottom left corner to give the away side a comfortable lead.

Stirling took their lead for granted in the second half as a barrage of chances were missed at one end, while defending became slack at the other. Crawford was gaining success down the right with a series of bursts forward but Stirling failed to capitalise on numerous 4 v 3’s and 3 v 2’s as Drumpellier looked for a way back into the game. McLean had switched wings with Lynch and it was from the right that he was to have his moment of the match. After some great build up play released Betreen down the left, he squared the ball perfectly on a plate for McLean 5 yards out. Unfortunately the whole of the goal wasn't a big enough target and the ball clipped the outside of the post and wide, with McLean claiming a very suspect ‘bobble’.



Similar Expression after the 'bobble'



Thistle were to capitalise as they got a goal back soon after. A slide rule pass in between Crawford and Flanagan left the left winger in on goal. From a tight angle he rifled a shot past Harkness into the very top right hand corner and gave a lifeline to the division 1 side. However as the game became even further stretched it was Stirling who looked the more likely to score. Ryan Quinn replaced Lynch as Stirling looked to put the game out of sight.

They were to do so with 2 minutes of the match remaining as Will Barker got his second of the game. Cutting inside from the left, using pent up frustration at the earlier missed chances, he struck a powerful, swerving effort that beat the keeper all ends up. Stirling saw the game out and while the home side never really looked like creating a clear cut chance and getting an equaliser, the students will be disappointed the game was out of sight earlier.

Overall a performance which shows the attacking intent that has been lacking over previous games, albeit without the finishing to match. Stirling move through to the last 16 of a competition they have a great chance of winning if they can make it past their next opponents Stenhousemuir who are third in the premier division, two leagues above Stirling. The league will have to play second fiddle once again for now.

Man of the Match: Will Barker

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

Glasgow Caledonian 1st’s 2 Stirling 0

BUCS season ends on low note with defeat.

Stirling came away from Glasgow with nothing as their opponents proved their quality with a two goal win. In truth the win was deserved for a team who won promotion on the day and, with two 10-0 wins and a 9-0 victory during the season, it was fitting they moved up a division.

Influential early on

Stirling arrived late to the game leaving themselves with virtually no time for a warm-up. However, in spite of this, they began well thriving on having no pressure to win and passing the ball around freely. Stirling threatened first down their right hand side as James Brodie left the left-back trailing as he drove down the wing and into the box, but his cutback couldn’t find Stirling feet and it was cleared. Brodie was involved minutes later as his cross come shot whistled past the post as Stirling threatened to break through.

The visitor’s best chance of the match arrived on the 15 minute mark as a raking ball from skipper Jono Cooper left Chris Betreen in behind the defence. Shrugging off the covering defender, Betreen got a shot away which the keeper got down well to block as the pressure seemed to be getting to the Glasgow players.



Solid between the sticks



However this let-off seemed to spur the home side on as they held onto the majority of possession for the rest of the game. Stirling held firm against the threat with Ryan Mahoney commanding as ever alongside Cooper denying the dangerous strike-force any clear cut chances. Kieran McCulloch gaining a rare start looked composed in goal as he saw a couple of shots drift past his post. McCulloch was called into action with half time approaching as a scramble in the box led to a reaction stop which thumped the post and rebounded into his arms.

Stirling came out after the break with renewed vigour and created more opportunities than in the last half hour of the first and Will Barker had a long range effort which kept the keeper on his toes to see it over. Barker and his midfield partner Stevie Boyle were performing admirably against a side who drift from the positions regularly leaving them difficult to mark and track runners.

Stirling were unable to hold out against the soon to be league winners as they made the breakthrough on the hour. A whipped delivery from the right was deflected and the Glasgow striker fairly won the challenge with McCulloch to bundle home and settle Glasgow nerves.  With Stirling visibly disappointed, Glasgow took the opportunity to double their lead 5 minutes later. After what looked a stonewall penalty after a challenge from Graeme Crawford, the referee inexplicably awarded a corner. However Glasgow’s protestations were short lived as from the resultant delivery Ryan Quinn lost his marker and the ball was bulleted home at the back post.



Denied a goal in his final BUCS appearance



Stirling did respond well in the final part of the game and almost gave themselves hope with 25 minutes to go. After Crawford was fouled, the free-kick was taken quickly into Betreen whose shot was deflected and the Glasgow keeper pulled off a tremendous save to get back across and tip wide. Boakye and Flanagan came on as Stirling went to a 3-4-3 to try and get a goal back with Cooper moving up front. However their efforts were futile as the remainder of the game passed without incident and Glasgow were crowned champions.

It was a just result for Glasgow and Stirling had to concede that they were the better side over the season. A third place finish for Stirling is not what they wanted although they can take heart from their performances against tough opposition into their quest for Saturday silverware.

Special mention must go to Ryan Mahoney, Jono Cooper, Chris Betreen and James Brodie who were paying in their final BUCS Wednesday games and their efforts will be hugely missed by the remaining players next season. The events after the game saw them off in tremendous style even if no-one can remember much.

Man of the Match: Curtis Wilson (couldn’t remember who got it but think it was the Wizzleman)

Stirling: McCulloch, Crawford (Flanagan), Cooper, Mahoney, Wilson, Brodie, Barker, Boyle, Lynch (Boakye), MacDougall, Betreen Subs: Chapman, Quinn

Stirling 0 Glasgow University 3’s 0

Posted Missing: A goal for Stirling Uni

Stirling failed to find the net for the second game in a row as Glasgow took a point away from Airthrey. With both teams having nothing to play for, after Stirling’s loss last week and Glasgow’s relegation, the game had the feel of an end of season affair as neither side could grab an elusive winner.



Captain Fantastic



Stirling were much changed once again with coach, captain and vice captain still unavailable Ryan Mahoney once again took charge with Ross Chapman captaining the side. Stirling began positively with some enterprising football causing the visitors problems as they looked to bounce back from their loss in Aberdeen the previous week. High wind was causing both sides problems and Stirling were forced to play into it for the first half as keeping the ball on the floor became the order of the day.

Unable to capitalise on their possession, Stirling allowed Glasgow into the game as they began to threaten on the counter as Stirling pushed forward. Chapman was forced to lead by example as he continued his fine form between the posts with a stunning save low to his left after the defence was left exposed. Minutes later after another Stirling attack, Mahoney and Tom Flanagan were faced with 5 Glasgow attackers pouring forward. As the ball was cut across the 6 yard box the ball was placed towards the corner and Flanagan was alive to clear off the line.

Stirling took this let off as they should and almost went ahead on the half hour mark. After a mazy run down the right from Graeme Crawford a quick one-two with Ryan Lynch was just over hit and the chance was gone as the Glasgow centre half got across to clear. Half-time arrived with little more in the way of chances as both teams cancelled each other out.

Rare bright spark on the day

With words of encouragement Stirling came out just as the wind decided to have a break which made for a better spectacle than the first half. Mikey MacDougall was fulfilling his role superbly dropping deep and collecting the ball although options ahead of him were few and far between as Stirling looked toothless in attack. Stevie Boyle was replaced by Joe Boakye as injury got the better of him and he was forced off.

Both teams were struggling to create clear cut chances and it was almost a stroke of fortune that could have given Stirling the win as a MacDougall corner was cleared off the line with Crawford inches away. Glasgow offered little in attack as only a couple of long range efforts troubled Stirling’s captain, although Chapman did have to be alert to tip over when a header at the back post was sneaking under the bar.

Ryan Quinn came on for Euan McCall as Stirling looked to find a spark to win the game. However the final twenty minutes continued to be bereft of opportunities as sub Boakye had three long range efforts which went wide and the goalkeeper remained untroubled. The final whistle went with a draw being a fair result on the day as neither side deserved to take the three points.

Stirling will now be focussing all their efforts onto a Saturday as they look to win a league they should have been promoted from the previous season. Having a perfect record of 6 wins out of 6 so far they will hope to continue this with a win over Zetland at the weekend.

Man of the Match: Ryan Lynch

Stirling: Chapman, Crawford, Flanagan, Mahoney, Henderson, Brodie, Boyle (Boakye), Wells, Lynch, McCall (Quinn), MacDougall        Subs: McCulloch

Stirling 0 Newhall Leith Vic’s 1

Cup exit after Stirling draw a blank

Stirling failed to score for only the second time this season and it was to cost them place in the last 16. Having played, and defeated, two of the top teams from this league, Stirling were under no illusions over the task in hand facing a side 2^nd top of an equivalent 2 divisions above. However they put in a strong, disciplined performance and were perhaps unlucky to lose out.

Stirling went into the game without their coach, captain and vice-captain which left Ryan Mahoney to lead the way. Tom Flanagan came into central defence and Euan McCall took over central midfield duties and stuck to their task admirably.



Betreen unusually off target



Stirling began in similar fashion to Wednesday’s poor result as they gave too much time and space to the Newhall side who used this to spray cross-field balls causing trouble for James Brodie and Graeme Crawford at either fullback. However Stirling were to go against the run of play to create the best chance of the half. After some incisive build-up play Chris Betreen was released down the right one-on-one with the goalkeeper. With the bookies refusing to take any more mortgages on Betreen scoring, he left many homeless by slotting in to the side netting as Newhall received a massive let off.

The game was springing from end to end as Newhall’s direct style was causing problems to the Stirling defence on the counter. However both teams were cancelling each other out and Newhall were restricted to long shots which Chapman dealt with consummately. Michael MacDougall was dropping deep to collect but Stirling were lacking an attacking intent which meant, apart from the early scare, the Newhall keeper could have joined the six coaches on a vocal visiting sideline.

Half-time arrived with only a free header at the front post troubling Stirling untowardly and Stirling took words of encouragement into the second half which they began brightly.

Straight from the restart they began to keep the ball to a standard that was lacking in the first half. Crawford had a great deal of the ball in the fullback area as Stevie Boyle and McCall were able to find space in a previously congested midfield. Stirling were still unable to test the opposition with anything more than a long range Boyle strike after some neat play down the right by Jamie McLean and Crawford.



Gaffer for the day lead from the front



Mahoney and Flanagan were combining well to deal with a sprightly forward line as well as the midfield runners who were in support. Ross Chapman remained relatively untroubled though until the hour mark as Newhall’s centre half bulleted a header at the back post which Chapman was forced to tip over. Set-pieces remained the main source of threat for either side as for all the intricate build up, both side were foiled at the last time and again.

MacDougall almost got off the mark for the season after a scuffed free kick from Boyle found his feet 12 yards out. His touch and shot looped up off a Newhall defender but was cleared after it found the head of their man mountain centre half. Connor Wells replaced an off colour McLean as Stirling looked to gain what would be a vital goal. Extra loomed as the final ten minutes ticked down but Stirling were unable to hold out and it was Newhall who finally got the breakthrough.

After a ball was whipped in from the right the ball was blocked between Flanagan and the opposition striker. With the away side’s right winger breaking free of his man the ball broke kindly into his path and he smashed home to much relief from the Newhall sideline.

Stirling went for broke in the final few minutes bringing on Graeme McCormack for McCall as an aerial threat up front and had one final chance with a free kick which even Chapman came forward for. Unfortunately the goalkeeper claimed the cross leaving Chapman to scamper back as Newhall decided to keep the ball in the corner rather than attempt a Xabi Alonso and have a shot. The final whistle sounded to the delighted and relief of a Newhall side who had a reprieve on a day when the result could have went either way.

Overall Stirling were unable to find an attacking threat to trouble the Newhall side and this is a key area which could affect the rest of the season. While they remain defensively sound, it is the other end of the park that may need some improvement if the Division 2 title is to be claimed.

Stirling: Chapman, Crawford, Flanagan, Mahoney, Brodie, McLean (Wells), Boyle, McCall (McCormack), Quinn, MacDougall, Betreen               Subs: Henderson

Man of the Match: Ryan Mahoney

Robert Gordon Uni 2’s 3 Stirling 2

Frustration for students as slip-up costs them shot at the title

After such an impressive performance the previous Wednesday against Glasgow 2’s, Stirling wasted their good work as they lost 3-2 in Aberdeen. Missing their coach who was away on international duty, Stirling were forced to take charge themselves and this meant a tough job for Captain Jono Cooper.

Playing on a near perfect Astroturf surface, Stirling could put no blame on the pitch as they started slowly after a 2 and a half hour bus journey. Stirling seemed to be taking a relaxed attitude toward the Aberdeen team and this was pounced upon as RGU pushed forward early. Stirling looked shaky as they failed to keep possession time and again and Ross Chapman was forced to deny the RGU frontman after a deflection had left him with an open goal. Chapman managed to make up the ground to block and give Stirling a let-off which seemed to fire them up.





Stirling took the lead, perhaps unjustly, after 20 minutes. Ryan Lynch cutting inside from the right played a delicate lofted pass over the left back’s head into Jamie McLean’s path. McLean bravely put his body on the line as the goalkeeper came out and the ball trickled into the goal to put the visitors a goal to the good.

However instead of building on their goal Stirling struggled to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Seemingly more concerned with helping each other’s games rather than their own, Stirling’s concentration was not of its usual high standard and this was evident as RGU equalised ten minutes later.

Stirling came out after half-time with a sense of purpose as they looked to impose themselves on the game. Stirling were gaining some joy with MacDougall dropping deeper and feeding the ball wide to Lynch and McLean. Unfortunately the killer ball couldn’t find Chris Betreen or MacDougall in the penalty area and when it did, they found a goalkeeper in fine form.

For all their positive attacking intent Stirling were to go behind around the hour mark. Failing to deal with the striker dropping deep, the RGU forward was able to feed the ball into the right winger’s path. With Curtis Wilson unable to make up the ground, the ball was struck across the helpless Chapman into the opposite corner and Stirling’s title hopes were hanging by a thread.

The visiting side tried to push forward to gain an equaliser but they were struggling to beat a commanding centre half and a keeper who despite his stature was keeping Stirling at bay with a string of fine saves. With 20 minutes left Stirling switched to three at the back with Lynch making way for Tom Flanagan, Graeme Crawford going to left midfield and Cooper providing an aerial option up front.

The next Rory Delap

Flanagan caused himself some embarrassment as with almost his first involvement he managed to commit a foul throw with his throw and chase style of set piece. As Stirling pushed forward it was inevitable that RGU would have chances on the counter and they took advantage with their third goal of the day. With Wilson exposed RGU’s left midfielder cut inside and cut across his shot from 20 yards leaving the unfortunate Chapman to pick the ball out of his net once again.

A deflated Stirling continued to create chances and Betreen was denied by a superb piece of athleticism by the RGU number 1, as he got across his goal to tip the ball over. Cooper was causing problems in the air as Stirling tried to mount a comeback. Crawford was to be denied by another tremendous save as the keeper flicked the ball behind, leaving Crawford disappointed and with a nasty head knock. From the resultant corner, a typical Will Barker delivery allowed Cooper to volley home his first goal of the season and give Stirling hope.

Chances galore filled the final ten minutes as MacDougall, McLean and Crawford all had shots blocked by a resilient defence. They were to be presented with one final chance in stoppage time which fell to Captain Cooper. A tremendous delivery from Mclean was landing on the head of Crawford and Mahoney but with the call from Cooper the ball bounce agonisingly wide. The final whistle called time on a poor performance and with no chance of promotion for yet another season.

Stirling had the chance to put themselves into pole position for the title but by not living up to their usual standards, performance and attitude wise, their league chances were gone for another season. Stirling must learn to concentrate more on their own play rather than others if they are to compete for honours on a Saturday, still being in a league and 2 cups, and with the talent, spirit and determination in the squad it is certainly achievable.

Stirling: Chapman, Crawford, Cooper, Mahoney, Wilson, McLean, Boyle (Grieve), Barker, Lynch (Flanagan), MacDougall, Betreen               Subs: McCulloch, Wells

Man of the Match: Ross Chapman

p.s. Get a top on Weasley.

Stirling 3 Bo’ness 2

Cup run continues after determined win

Stirling battled their way through to the next round of the East of Scotland cup after struggling to overcome a stubborn Bo’ness side. Playing in the equivalent of 2 divisions above Stirling, it was a stern test for the students who were looking to continue their fine form over the season.

On a day which showed warm weather football is not far around the corner, Stirling began well as both teams tried to play an expansive, passing game in stark contrast to the normal long ball tactics faced on a Saturday.



Standard Quinny



Having relied on a few players for the majority of their goals this season it was encouraging to see all three goal scorers getting their first goals in Stirling green. Ryan Quinn was the first to achieve this taking advantage of some suspect goalkeeping. Chasing down a ball in behind, the opposing keeper inexplicably tried to clear rather than pick it up and the ball struck Quinn. Maintaining composure he zipped the ball into open goal to put Stirling ahead.

With both teams not in full flow the first half went by without much further incident. Ross Chapman was called into action on occasion but dealt with any effort Bo’ness could muster. The Stirling defence was tested by the short, sharp passing their opposition were playing but the back 5 combined well to snuff any chances out at the last and went into the break with a lead.

Stirling began the second half in similar fashion with the strikers Mikey MacDougall and Jason Bolam linking up tremendously well.  It was from this link up that Stirling got the second goal their play deserved. In trademark style MacDougall dropped deep and played a delightful no look pass into Bolam’s path. After a great first touch he slid the ball past the keeper to put Stirling firmly in control.



Man of the Match



Stirling were unable to protect this lead however as they let Bo’ness back into the game with some slack defending. Chapman was left with no chance as the opposition striker took his chance calmly. The lead was almost completely wiped out a minute later as a shaken defence allowed the Bo’ness striker to cut inside and he curled the ball past Chapman onto the crossbar.

Stirling managed to compose themselves and retained their cushion with Ryan Lynch getting off the mark. Superb play down the right ended with MacDougall reaching the by-line and playing a terrific dinked cross to the back post for Lynch to nod home.

Having proved an able deputy to Ross Harkness, Chapman was once again in fine form as Bo’ness pushed for a way back into the game. With Stirling naively pushing too many players forward, they were almost caught out with a long ball counter attack. As the ball broke through leaving a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, Chapman managed to time a sliding tackle to perfection and the chance was saved.

Bo’ness gave the last few minutes meaning with a second goal and cause Stirling nerves to be shaken towards the end. A debateable free kick was whipped into the back post and after it was headed back across, the ball was tapped home to give hope to the visiting side. Stirling managed to see the game out with relative ease as the students maintained their impressive results across the season.

Stirling have made it through to the next round of the East of Scotland cup and have every chance of progressing further if the determination, commitment and goal scoring prowess continues. An away trip to Robert Gordon Uni is next up for the Stirling side and they will be looking to build on this and the previous Wednesday’s result.

Stirling: Chapman, Crawford, Flanagan, Mahoney, Brodie, McLean, Bews, McCall, Quinn, Bolam, MacDougall Subs: Cooper, Barker, Betreen, Wells

Man of the Match: Mikey MacDougall