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!