Robert Gordon 2's 1 Stirling 1

Stirling managed to take a draw back from Aberdeen which has always been a difficult place to go, having never won in the Granite City under Tommy Craig’s tutelage. With exams causing this game to be postponed in December, Stirling had to wait to try and avenge their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Edinburgh 4’s. Knocking the students down a peg after a 100% start to league business, it reminded the table toppers that they were not promoted already and still have to earn their place in the league above.

Stirling welcomed Will Barker, Stevie Clark and Kevin Hughes into the starting 11 as they looked to take a result which would keep them firmly in the 4A driving seat. The performance on display deserved more than just a point and had it not been for some abject refereeing, the scoreline could have been a whole lot different.

Instead of the usual picture selection,
I thought we could enjoy Connor's London
snaps he felt Facebook would enjoy.

Playing into a strong wind in the first half, Stirling were controlling the game with Barker and Michael Tuohy in the centre of the park always available and switching flanks time and again. Both fullbacks, Ryan McCue and Graeme Crawford, were seeing a lot of the ball but couldn’t quite find the correct ball to trouble the Aberdeen defence; Crawford particularly guilty of trying the difficult pass when the better option was to find feet.

Stirling created two quick chances to take the lead midway through the first period. After neat built build up play down the right, Clark’s pass got Crawford to the by-line but his cross was blocked by the covering defender. Minutes later a pinpoint through ball released Hughes in behind but the number 9 was ruled offside despite being in his own half and behind a Robert Gordon defender.

This was a sign of thing to come from a referee who seems to aspire to the Willie Collum style of refereeing, i.e. extremely biased. Stirling continued to battle on however with RGU failing to threaten the centre half pairing of Tom Flanagan and Stevie Boyle. The skipper playing in one of his many positions was rarely troubled as he and his Mancunian colleague steadied the ship.

In fact with such a strong wind Stirling did well to limit the home side to one long range effort which Kieran McCulloch got down smartly to block and gather at the second attempt. The half time whistle arrived with only a chance for Crawford any other point of note in the first period. Tuohy’s whipped free-kick arrived at Crawford on the stretch and the goalkeeper managed to strike the ball off the fullback and the ball rebounded over the bar from 3 yards.

Stirling came out from the break content at their endeavour in the first half and looked to sustain the pressure of the first half and improve their quality in the final third. With their two central midfielders dominating, the away team were retaining the ball superbly and were forcing their opponents to sit deep in their own half for the majority of the game; this further by a formation change to 4-4-1-1 by the home team.

Love ma babes.

They were to get their reward for their efforts around the sixty minute mark. Hughes and strike partner Mikey MacDougall were combining well and this reaped benefits with the opening goal. Hughes’ flick on from a long goal kick released MacDougall and he remained calm to toe poke past the on-rushing goalkeeper. Having struggled for goals, MacDougall’s work ethic is finally being rewarded in the goal scoring stakes.

This sparked the beginning of a downward turn in the away side’s fortune however. Hughes received the ball into feet and adeptly knocked the ball past his marker inside the box. His legs were crudely taken away but the referee saw fit to play on but Hughes was not booked; you can draw your own conclusions from the lack of a card being dished out.

Minutes later Barker was fouled in the centre of the field but the man in the middle played on and RGU gained a free kick of their own. The long ball forward held up in the wind and the ball was controlled by the home sides forward. After a miscued shot from the left the ball was scrambled home from 6 yards to bring the sides level.

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Stirling were trying their best to fight the injustice they were feeling as even the home sides players were find the decisions laughable. Corner, free-kick and throw-ins were continually awarded against the travelling side, decisions which weren’t even debatable.

However Stirling remained the most potent side and had their chances to sneak a result from right under the referee’s nose. Barker had a long range strike which flew a yard wide of the top corner with the goalkeeper looking on nervously.

Stirling’s top scorer last season nearly grabbed the winner after bursting from midfield to arrive in the area. His touch and shot across the keeper was blocked superbly with the keeper’s trailing hand as it looked like being one of those days.

The away side had one final chance to get the extra two points they deserved. Crawford found Hughes inside the right-hand side of the area to which the striker took one touch away from his defender and struck early with his left foot. The ball was curling into the bottom corner but the goalkeeper managed to tip the ball round the post in what was a terrific save by the Robert Gordon number 1.

Stirling can be satisfied with the performance they put in after more than a month without any training or games. The point keeps them top of the league and promotion in their own hands, which they have got to capitalise on. Circumstances prevented all three points going Stirling’s way but a draw isn’t the worst result to take away from Aberdeenshire.

Stirling: McCulloch, Crawford, Flanagan, Boyle, McCue, Clark, Barker, Tuohy (Bailey), Quinn, MacDougall, Hughes 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!

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