Dunblane Thistle 1 Stirling 4

Sensational scenes at Dunblane High School
as Stirling are promoted.

Stirling breaks out of Division 2 with a comfortable win

Stirling produced an identical scoreline from the previous Wednesday to secure the three points they needed for promotion. On a tricky pitch and a flyaway football on show, the students did well to come from a goal down to put four goals away; although it could have been more.

Stirling took the decision to play into the wind for the first half, and it seemed to backfire as Dunblane made most of the early running. The long ball game plan of the home side was causing problems as the ball swirled in the wind and got caught in the sun, leaving the defence struggling to remain composed.

The home side took advantage of Stirling’s complacent start to take the lead. A flighted free-kick was headed back across goal and with runners not being tracked everywhere, one of many free Dunblane players headed home.

This sparked the young students into life and they began to keep possession which they should have done from the start. The ball was being spread across the back four with Ryan Mahoney and Ryan Blair being left with time on the ball due to the 4-4-1-1 formation Dunblane employed



Connor Wells started after an impressive performance in mid-week and, alongside player of the year Will Barker, looked relaxed in possession while winning tackles in the middle of the park.



Man of the Match
celebrates in typical
fashion.



It was from down the left wing that Stirling found an equaliser and it was Matty McLaughlin who got it. Ryan Quinn slipped him into the penalty area and after a neat Zidane swivel away from the sliding defender and, despite being off balance; he managed to lift the ball over the oncoming keeper for a deserved leveller.

Stirling made it 2-1 shortly after with one of the goals of the season. A tremendous passing move that went side to side across the park twice, as every player touched the ball, ended with a delightful through ball from the versatile Stevie Boyle into McLaughlin who slotted home first time.

Stirling took control from this point on and apart from a couple of concentration lapses in defence, they were under no real threat of conceding again. Jamie McLean replaced Ryan Lynch who was injured after a challenge with Dunblane keeper.

Quinn was having a tremendous first half and threatened a goal after cutting inside, but he fired his shot over the bar. Chris Betreen could have added to the lead just before halftime but Dunblane keeper Graeme Lavery spread himself well to block and keep the lead down to one.

Stirling came out after half-time and killed the game off within the first 5 minutes. Graeme Crawford cut inside from the right and flicked a ball in behind which Betreen finished in typical fashion, across the keeper, to all but seal the points.

Crawford could have scored a minute later after bursting through the middle of the defence, but he dragged his shot wide. Although Betreen could have got to the ‘cross’ had he been on his toes!

Stirling were completely dominant in possession, keeping the ball instead of playing the long pass forward they had resorted to at times after the Christmas break. Wells and Barker were orchestrating the play from the middle as the students cruised towards promotion.



Player of the year celebrates
with his best mate. And Cammy.



They added a fourth with Barker getting his 12^th of the campaign. Jamie McLean got the better of the full-back repeatedly in the second half, and on this occasion dinked a lovely ball up to the back post to Quinn who was pushed in the back as he went to nod home. Barker stepped up and scored in his usual spot to add to a fully-deserved scoreline.

Mikey MacDougall replaced Wells and Cooper came on for Quinn as Stirling relaxed with the three goal cushion.

The moment of the match arrived after tremendous play by man of the match McLaughlin. A flying run down the left touchline evaded two lunges before squaring to Cooper who first-time flicked inside to Betreen. Setting his self well 8 yards out he somehow defied his usual striking instinct and shinned the ball wide in what would was an unfortunate end to a great piece of build-up.

Stirling had a few more half chances, including a McLaughlin free-kick which is still rising, but the game fizzled out with Stirling by for the better side.

The students can look forward to plying their trade in Division 1 next year but they will be hopeful that it will be as Division 2 champions. With three games to go it is in their hands and all is to play for, three big performances will bring home the trophy.

Man of the Match: Matty McLaughlin

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

Stirling 4 Dunblane Thistle 1

Stirling march towards promotion with dominant win.

Stirling seem to have hit form at the perfect time of the season as they are now within three points of promotion to division 1. With 4 games remaining it seems the students will make the step up although a title is also up for grabs with Braehead hot on their heels.

On a difficult pitch and with the sun making it seeing the ball problematic, the students handled it better to dominate proceedings from the off.

A re-shuffled back four meant Ryan Mahoney had to again marshal a new defence from his customary centre-half role and was commanding as ever alongside ‘The Beard’ Stevie Boyle.

Too much wrestling
could have caused
goal drought.

The partnership of Chris Betreen and Matty McLaughlin up front continued to flourish after a brace from McLaughlin in the previous game, Betreen followed suit to break his 5 game barren spell.

Betreen had a chance early on as he latched on a ball down the left to break past the defender. Unfortunately on his weaker side he dragged his shot wide to let the away side off the hook.

Stirling were to take the lead not long after however as Graeme Crawford converted a Will Barker corner. With Mahoney distracting the taller defenders, Crawford got free at the front post and headed across the goal into the bottom corner for his 9^th of the season.

The goal calmed Stirling nerves and they began to play some encouraging passing football. Ryan Quinn linked up well with Euan McCall with a quick one-two down the left, but the Ryan Lynch couldn’t put the header past the over-worked goalkeeper.

Barker and McCall were pulling the strings from the middle of the park as Stirling dominated proceedings and could have went further ahead had Crawford converted one of the three headed chances from corners.



Tough for Quinn to claim
his 2nd of the season



Stirling took a two goal lead into half-time after great running from Betreen in the wide area left Quinn with the chance to score. His shot was deflected not once, not twice but three times before slithering into the net, leaving a tough decision for the dubious goals committee, however it looks doubtful the lizard can claim it as his own.

Dunblane came out for the second half at an increased tempo which caught the home side somewhat unawares and they struggled to get out of their half for the first ten minutes of the half.

They were made to pay for the poor start to the second period as Dunblane were awarded a fortunate penalty. After what looked like a foul throw, the striker completely missed the ball and it bounced up and onto Barker’s arm and the spot kick was given. Harkness couldn’t get near the ball as it nestled in the corner for a Thistle lifeline.

Stirling managed to regain their composure however and didn’t let the momentum sift completely towards the away team. Crawford and Owen Smith, in the other full-back position, were seeing plenty of the ball which allowed a better attacking threat for the university.

The game was virtually killed off as Betreen broke his recent goal-scoring duck, and hit the barn door he’d been missing recently. The young English frontman was rewarded for his effort and commitment as, after a great run, a Matty McLaughlin shot was blocked, and when Lynch squared Betreen was there to tap home and near the twenty-mark for the season.

The goal gave Stirling more composure as the away side began to tire. The front two for Stirling had visibly grown in confidence and were running the back four ragged in a pleasing sight for on-looking coach Craig.

Jamie McLean took over for Quinn on the left and after a difficult start, grew into the game and got the better of the full-back time and again.

Betreen added to his tally ten minutes after his first when ball-playing centre half Mahoney sent an outside of the foot pass forward in the direction of the over-lapping Crawford. With too much spin the ball made its way to Betreen, who spun his defender, and in typical fashion slotted by the keeper to add gloss to the scoreline.



Escaped one nickname. Gained another.



There was a brief pause as a lesbian seemed to invade the pitch and run towards a shocked referee. However it turned out to be a freshly shaven Connor Wells replacing the injured Barker and order was restored.

Stirling controlled the remainder of the game as the away side couldn’t keep up with the more athletic students. They could have added to their tally but a stonewall penalty on Betreen wasn't given as the official seemed to try and even up an earlier decision before the goal.

The final piece of action left Dunblane down to ten men as a late kick on McCall was seen as violent conduct by an overly officious referee. It was a harsh decision but made no impact on the game as it happened so late on.

Stirling now go into the re-match on Saturday knowing a win will guarantee them promotion although the champagne remains firmly on ice until the points are in the bag and a professional job is needed to keep their title ambitions on as much as anything.

Man of the Match: Chris Betreen

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

Loganlea 0 Stirling 1

Title push furthered by superb win

Stirling moved closer to promotion with a narrow win over title rivals Loganlea. Arriving in an area in the proverbial sticks, the students walked into an intimidating atmosphere which on another day could have went a lot worse for the university side.

James Brodie, Tom Flanagan and Chris Betreen all returned to the side after not starting the previous game at Braehead. Controversy was rife in this game as Loganlea felt aggrieved with the performance of the referee, although even a neutral would see the performance didn’t deserve the abuse he received.

Stirling, boosted by the 1-0 win against rivals Braehead on Monday, began well on a tight pitch which was unusually slick considering the weather of late.

Stirling’s back for were tested by an Andy Carroll/Jesus look-a-like and the most annoying striker ever, but they dealt well with the early threat and began to keep control of the ball for sustained periods.

Stirling almost took the lead when MacDougall broke the offside trap to come onto a through ball against an on-rushing keeper. Slotting the ball to the keeper’s left she saved with his hand and even though he was clearly 5 yards out his area the referee played on.

Ross Harkness was brought into action on the twenty minute mark as a long ball made its way to the Loganlea number nine. Forced wide by the ever-commanding Ryan Mahoney he managed to get a shot away which was easily dealt with as the shot came across his body.

Stirling coped well with the more physical home side but their massive height advantage was evident at set pieces. A succession of long throws and corners caused trouble in the Stirling box and a couple of headers just evaded Stirling’s post as the students lived dangerously.

However they could have went ahead after a searching ball from the defence from fullback Graeme Crawford found Betreen. Caught in two minds, the Englishman put an early cross in towards his strike-partner which was cut out, when the shot himself was probably the better option.

They were to take the lead ten minutes before the break however when a dubious penalty went their way. Betreen got free from the last defender but was repeatedly held back, and although the foul appeared to begin way outside the box, the referee pointed to the spot.

In the absence of regular taker Will Barker, Crawford stepped up. The ball wasn’t struck as cleanly as the number 2 would have hoped and was fortunate to see the keeper get a hand to it but fail to keep it out, to give an 8^th goal of the season for the right back.

Loganlea were rattled by the loss of the goal and took the frustration out on each other. Two of the players had to be taken aside and calmed by the referee as an on-field argument almost turned violent.

The whistle for half time sounded with Stirling on top and the home side increasingly aggravated by what they perceived as poor refereeing. Coach’s Tommy Craig and Gavin Skelton helped Stirling remained calm in a game which could have easily overflowed had the students lost their cool at any point.

The student’s were knocking the ball about nicely while Mahoney, assisted by Flanagan and Crawford, kept the team’s concentration high with good communication.

The loudmouth, inept frontman for the home side was replaced at half time with pace and youth which caused a different problem for the Stirling defence; but one they dealt with effectively.

MacDougall had the chance to stretch the lead for the students when he was released by the versatile Stevie Boyle, who had returned to his natural centre midfield berth. Unfortunately the flame haired striker couldn’t add to his tally as he scuffed his effort into the legs of the keeper to set a tone for Stirling’s finishing from then on.

The game was swinging from end to end as both defences came under more pressure.

Ryan Quinn was next to see the whites of the keeper’s eyes as he collected Crawford’s through ball but his finish was identical to the earlier MacDougall effort and Loganlea survived again.

Another impressive performance by Owen Smith came to an end when he was replaced by McLaughlin on the hour. This looks to be an impressive addition to an already talented squad which could be crucial to the title run in.

Boyle could have sealed it fifteen minutes from time when great link-up down the right involving McLaughlin, Quinn and Crawford led to a free header from the fullback’s cross. Unfortunately the dynamic midfielder couldn’t find the finish which would have made the game safe.

Loganlea pressed forward in the final ten and nearly were gifted an equaliser by a hugely uncharacteristic mistake by captain for the night Mahoney. Dallying in possession allowed the speedy striker to nick the ball and set up the supporting midfielder, who blazed over. This was the only error in an otherwise impeccable display from the stopper who may be playing his final games for the university.

Loganlea were reduced to nine men in quick succession as after a tackle the home side’s player was given a second yellow for dissent. The other was dismissed for an off the ball swipe of substitute Ryan Lynch’s legs which the player couldn’t have too many complaints about due to the lateness of the supposed ‘tackle’.

The final moment of controversy arrived in the last minute as a corner was whipped into the Stirling penalty area. A snap shot caught Betreen on the arm but the referee took the view he could do nothing about it, and the rebound was smashed against the chest of Boyle as Stirling clung on.

Straight from this Betreen found himself through on goal but put it wide with virtually the last kick of the game.

A massive three points for the students was overshadowed by the referee being forced to flee the area, still in full kit, due to his fear for his own safety. The University side did well to focus on the football and put in an impressive display against tough opposition.

Stirling travel to local rivals Thistle on Saturday knowing a win would inch them closer to promotion which would be well deserved for this squad full of character.

Stirling: Harkness, Crawford, Flanagan, Mahoney, Brodie, Quinn (Lynch), McCall, Boyle, Smith (McLaughlin), MacDougall, Betreen              Subs: Lynch, Wells

Braehead 0 Stirling 1

Title in Stirling hands after battling win

Stirling took a huge step towards promotion and perhaps the division 2 title with a win over rivals Braehead. Coming off the back of a 4-1 defeat the previous week from the same opponents, Stirling were determined to put up a better showing this time around.

Stirling had the better of the opening exchanges as the more experienced Braehead side seemed to take the students for granted. Stevie Boyle slotted into centre half alongside Ryan Mahoney and these two put on a tremendous showing snuffing out attacks time and again.

Will Barker was breaking forward from midfield looking for through balls and he nearly gave the lead to the away side after ten minutes. Graeme Crawford played a ball forward from the right back area which Barker took in his stride before firing across goal, narrowly wide of the target.

It was from a similar run, however, that Stirling was to take the lead. Barker pounced on the second ball of a Ross Harkness goal kick and timed the pass perfectly to release Euan McCall. Taking the shot first time, McCall put it neatly into the bottom corner to put the university side ahead.

Braehead were dangerous on the ball with pace and height causing the students some problems. For all their positive attributes though, Stirling remained relatively untroubled throughout the first half. A flicked ball left the striker one on one with Harkness but his attempted lob was gathered easily by the tall keeper.

One other moment of danger came when the ball was cleared off the Stirling line much to Braehead’s dismay. However the ball was clearly not over, a fact admitted by the Braehead player’s closest to the play.

The second half took a similar appearance to the first, with Braehead having the majority of the ball, but failing to break down a stubborn defence. Play was disrupted by a spate of injuries to both sides and although none were serious, play was disrupted sufficiently to cause the game to lose its flow.

Stirling were compact and threatened on the counter against a Braehead side who looked to use the presence of their ginger haired centre mid and their lofty striker to cause problems. For all their attempts the back four, ably supported by the rest of the team, was dealing with the pressure well.

Both sides were reduced to ten men after the hour mark, as a contested tackle led to a heated aftermath in which the referee sent both players off. Stirling went to a 4-4-1 to deal with this and coped comfortably with enforced change.

Harkness’ goal remained relatively danger-free as only a couple of long range efforts, which were dealt with comfortably, threatened an equaliser.

Stirling could have wrapped the game up with five to go as Betreen took advantage of an over committed defence to go through on the keeper. Unfortunately his usual precision finishing let him down and Stirling held out for the last minutes efficiently.

Ref’s Man of the Match: Stevie Boyle/Ryan Mahoney

Stirling: Harkness, Crawford, Boyle, Mahoney, Watson, McLean, Bews, Barker, Smith (Quinn), McCall, MacDougall (McLaughlin) Subs: Chapman

Stirling 4 Glenvale 2

Doouuuggggaaayyyy!!!!!

Finally! In a more anticipated moment than The Rock’s return to WWE, Mikey MacDougall at last managed to see the net rustle. To quote Football Manager, relief was etched across MacDougall’s face as he ended his goal drought and hopefully they will now begin to flow.

On a glorious day for football Stirling looked comfortable in this match despite conceding two sloppy goals which put their position under question.

With Glenvale arriving with barely a starting 11, the students knew they should be putting a few goals past an ageing side sitting bottom of the league.

Stirling were keeping the ball well from the off as they played across the back four well, although the ball into strikers and midfield was not quite as good.

They were to get the early goal they needed through Chris Betreen as he latched onto a MacDougall through ball. After rounding the keeper he managed to slot home from a tight angle and Stirling were ahead.

Despite being rarely pressurised on the ball to any real extent, Stirling failed to press home their advantage as a couple of long-range efforts whistled over the bar and the away side’s keeper made some good blocks.

Glenvale equalised against the run of play as indecision cost Stirling. A long ball through the middle was deflected and with returning keeper Ross Chapman and Ryan Mahoney leaving it to each other, the Glenvale frontman nipped in to knock it over Chapman and into the net.

It wasn't long before the home side managed to get back in front however and it was that man MacDougall who got off the mark for the season. Chasing down a lost cause he managed to nick the ball from a stumbling defender on the left side of the area. Ignoring Ryan Quinn in the centre, MacDougall curled a beautiful effort into the far corner and a surprisingly muted celebration from the shocked frontman.

Glenvale hit back five minutes later though as Stirling’s lack of height was exposed from a free kick. A ball from the Stirling right was flighted in to the back post and one of three men who had slipped their marker nodded up and over Chapman to bring the game level again.

Stirling were playing better than previous games and deserved more than a draw going into the final stages of the half. They were to get their reward after a stunning strike from central midfielder Euan McCall. After a ball was headed out to around twenty yards, McCall stepped onto the half volley, left footed, and rifled it into the top left corner.

There was still time for captain for the day Will Barker to clip the crossbar from a free kick as Stirling took a narrow lead into the break, which should have been a lot more.

The domination of possession continued in the second half for the Stirling side as they kept the ball nicely, though the pace of the game was relatively slow.

Stirling were gaining joy with their movement through the middle and also down the flanks. James Brodie and Graeme Crawford were getting forward in support, with Crawford going close with a shot from the edge of the box which just went wide of the left post.

Will Barker almost added a fourth but the cut back from Crawford had too much pace, meaning the young Englishman was unable to force the ball goal wards. Ghazi replaced Betreen as they looked for a different option in attack to find the killer goal.

Owen Smith made his debut for the university third team and looked controlled and comfortable on the ball. He was unlucky not to open his account as a volley flashed across the face of goal and wide.

Stirling were to kill the game off with twenty minutes left as they were awarded a penalty. Ryan Mahoney was bundled over at a corner, leaving the referee no choice, and Barker stepped up to slot home.

Stirling made further changes as Connor Wells came on in middle of the park and looked composed as Stirling saw out the game, reshuffling player’s positions in preparation for Monday’s game at Braehead.

Crawford had a late chance getting away from two players before shooting just wide. The game was seen out with more Stirling pressure on a day when they could have scored a lot more.

After recent performances, Stirling will be happy at some of the football they played, although they are still quite a bit away from their best. Braehead on Monday is a massive game as Stirling seek revenge for the previous 4-1 defeat, and it makes for a appetising contest.

Ref’s Man of the Match: Will Barker (Although player’s give it to Douuugggaaayyyy)

Stirling: Chapman, Crawford, Boyle, Mahoney, Brodie, McLean, Barker, McCall (Wells), Quinn (Smith), MacDougall, Betreen (Ghazi) Subs: Lynch

Stirling 1 Braehead 4

Poor first half costs students dear

Stirling’s title hopes were dented after a terrible first half performance allowed Braehead to take 3 points and move above the students in the table. With Braehead’s pitch unplayable the tie was moved to Airthrey and it was the beginning of nightmare for Stirling’s players.

After a disappointing result the previous Saturday, Stirling were desperate to make amends but got off to the worst possible start; conceding after just 20 seconds. After Graeme Crawford’s pass was misplaced, the Braehead left midfielder drove from his own half through the centre and his shot clipped Ryan Mahoney. Making a rare mistake, by getting his angles wrong, Ross Harkness allowed the shot to trickle into bottom corner and Stirling were behind.

The students were to concede a second after 15 minutes which was exactly what they deserved for the poor start. After the ball was cleared Crawford and Tom Flanagan were slow to push out, leaving the striker onside, and the clipped ball back into the area was finished off comfortably.

Stirling were in disarray at their inability to complete more than two passes before surrendering possession. In a rare Stirling foray into the Braehead half, Will Barker managed to release Chris Betreen in behind. However the usually prolific frontman was forced wide and the resultant shot went into the side netting.

This should have spurred the students on but it was Braehead who were to grab a third before the break. A shot across Harkness from the home side’s left was spilled and the striker gleefully tapped home to further dent Stirling spirits.

The university side were determined to restore some pride on a day when they were not playing to any sort of acceptable standard, and this was achieved to some extent by a more competitive second half.

Needing to attack considerably more than the first half showing, Stirling’s fullbacks were pushing further forward and the centre mid pairing of Barker and Stevie Boyle were exerting more of an influence in the second period.

Betreen and Scott Tully were struggling to hold the ball up against a physical defence and, as a result, the home side were still ineffectual in attack even with the build-up improving.

Mikey MacDougall and Euan McCall, on either flank, were struggling to apply their ability into the game as Stirling were snuffed out by a team who ran away with the division below last season and, at times, it was clear to see why.

Stirling brought on Ryan Quinn, Ghazi with around half an hour to go as they looked for a bit of invention that they hadn’t found already. Jamie McLean also joined the action in place of Barker who went down awkwardly after a corner and had to be withdrawn.

It was one of the substitutes, Quinn, who was to get a consolation with ten to go rising to nod home from a corner to give Stirling some hope. Ghazi almost added another with an audacious overhead kick which was palmed away by the relatively untroubled Braehead goalkeeper.

However the away side were to have the final say as they increased the scoreline with a fourth in the final minute. After Stirling pressure a quick counter left the defence exposed and the ball was slotted past Harkness, into his bottom left hand corner to round off a miserable day for the men in green.

Stirling will have to escape this slump in form that has seen them fail to turn up for 3 successive games, if they have intentions of silverware this season. Harsh words may be needed to make the students snap out of Christmas holiday mode, they still seem to be in, and back to the form which saw them sit top of the league not too long ago.

Man of the Match: Ryan Mahoney

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

Stirling couldn’t retain the ball as Braehead continually pressed forward putting pressure on an unusually nervous backline. Stirling left back James Brodie was caught off the ball and after a brief spell of handbags, the ladies dusted themselves down and the game continued with no cards being issued.

Tullibody 1 Stirling 2

Daylight Robbery

Stirling spent a night in the cells after throwing on the balaclava’s and stripy jumpers to nick 3 points from a dominant Tullibody outfit. With the main talk before the match being of the local celebrity in the oppositions ranks, Take me out’s Tambo, Stirling took their eye of the ball putting a poor performance which deserved a defeat rather than a promotion boosting win.

Right from the start Tullibody took control, spraying the ball across the park until the long ball in behind was on. Stirling’s backline were repeatedly stretched in the early moments by the pace of the opposition’s strike force.

They were lucky to remain level as a ball down the left evaded Mitch Henderson and left a one v one with Ross Harkness staying big and forcing the shot to trickle wide. Stirling weren’t to escape unharmed though as their poor start was punished minutes later. Yet another long ball left Harkness exposed and this time there was no mistake with the finish, leaving Stirling shell shocked at the start.

Tullibody continued to maintain possession as Stirling struggle to get a hold of the ball for more than a couple of passes. Tackle were flying in from all angles from the home side which was to be a feature of the game, something Stirling will have to get used to over the remainder of the season.



Kept Stirling in the game



The front pairing of Chris Betreen and Jason Bolam were struggling to touch the ball, never mind create a chance, due to the majority of second balls finding a Tullibody player. Stirling were lucky to go into half-time with only a one goal deficit as a cross from the Stirling left was met with a firm header and, instinctively, Harkness managed to palm the ball away from danger.

The second half was a more even affair as Stirling managed to settle on what was a bobbly playing surface. The on-loan Kevin Hughes was winning almost every header in the centre of the park and Stirling were picking up the loose balls which gave a basis to build from. Jason Bolam had an early chance, picking the ball up and, with defenders being dragged away, unleashed a driven effort which went narrowly wide of the left hand post.



Local Celeb



Mikey MacDougall replaced Connor Wells in a tactical reshuffle while Tambo made his much anticipated appearance as a striker. It was almost an immediate impact from the bleach blonde frontman as he had a golden chance one on one with Harkness. Unfortunately he blew it by blazing over as the nightmare noise of 30 buzzers sounding came flooding back.

Matty McLaughlin replaced Ryan Quinn as MacDougall went out right with Jamie Mclean moving in one to centre midfield. This switch gave the away side a better structure and they took advantage almost straight away. After Graeme Crawford had clipped a ball in behind for Betreen, the covering defender punched the ball clear stopping Betreen from being in on goal. Only the free kick was given and, after a brief delay while Crawford’s toys were cleared from the pitch back to the pram, McLaughlin stepped up to rifle the ball into the top right postage stamp and the students were level.

An increasingly vocal Tullibody sideline was contesting every possible decision with the referee being abused whenever feasible. The referee was managing to control the game well as late challenges were coming in on Stirling’s players like they were going out of fashion. A number of yellow cards were handed out after a series of fouls, which didn’t go down well with the home side’s support.



Match Winner



Stirling completed the smash and grab with 5 minutes remaining. After McLaughlin came off injured, Crawford moved on one and Tom Flanagan came in at right back. After Flanagan’s hopeful/calculated ball forward, Bolam played Crawford in down the right. Managing to get to the by-line, the ball was stood up to the back post and, as the keeper flapped, Hughes was there to tap home and secure a valuable 3 points.

A late sending off for foul and abusive language left the home side further frustrated and the game ended in a fortunate win for the university side.

Stirling know they will have to improve when they face the upcoming challenges in the next few games, starting with Stirling Thistle on Saturday. A majority of the team will need to toughen up if they are continue this 100% record and have hopes at a title party come the end of the campaign.

Manager’s Man of the Match: Graeme Crawford

Stirling: Harkness, Crawford, Cooper, Mahoney, Henderson, McLean, Wells (MacDougall), Hughes, Quinn(McLaughlin(Flanagan)), Bolam, Betreen  Subs: Chapman