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

Slamannan 2 Stirling Uni 3

Slamannan 2 Stirling Uni 3

League campaign kicks off with a win

Stirling began life in Division 1 with a battling performance away to Slamannan which will stand the students in good stead for the season ahead. With the home side receiving 6 yellow cards and a sending off, Stirling can be commended on maintaining their composure to get the victory.

The university side have yet to find a settled side as is customary at this stage of the season so had to gel as a unit quickly. They did so quite well in the early stages but couldn't find the final pass in order to convert their possession.

Slamannan had the first clear cut chance of the match when the speedy striker rattled a post from close range giving the students a clear wake up call. With Cameron Mitchell getting more of the ball in the centre of the park, the uni began to create and look more of a threat.

Mikey MacDougall was first to see the whites of the keeper’s eyes. Latching on to a through ball he composed himself well before seeing the keeper pull off a great block to keep it goalless.

Having not learned enough from the earlier chance Stirling’s woodwork was in danger once again as the diminutive striker was first to a low cross and clipped the bar as Stirling were nearly undone once again.

Matty McLaughlin had the chance to open his account for the season soon after however as after good lay from Mitchell left Graeme Crawford facing up the home side’s defence. Crawford managed to find McLaughlin whose shot across the face of goal was smothered by the Slamannan No.1.

Stirling broke through shortly before half-time however and it came from the penalty sport. Chasing down a ball over the top, McLaughlin’s desire got him there ahead of the defender and he was chopped down. Crawford stepped up and, using the ‘Will Barker Penalty Taking Guide’, went low to the keeper’s right to give the students the lead.

The second half went more according to plan as Stirling kept the ball much to the frustration of their opponents. The referee had tried to keep his cards in his pockets but he was forced to act as time and again Stirling players were hauled down as they were punished for their better play.

They took advantage of their opponents red mist to double their lead on the hour. Mitchell showed tremendous vision to play in Crawford down the right and McLaughlin got in front of his marker to convert the drilled cross.

New captain Stevie Boyle had been leading his new charges superbly in the middle of the park, allowing the players in attack the freedom to take the extra risks. The game changed when his withdrawal was enforced due to the recurrence of a groin injury. However the introduction of Connor Wells certainly wasn't an uneventful one.

Owen Smith also joined the action replacing the committed MacDougall in playing just off the striker.

Stirling were to give themselves a scare when they gave away a penalty with 20 minutes left. Straight after a ball had flashed across the home side’s goal evading Mitchell and McLaughlin, the home side broke forward. A dinked ball towards the winger hit Wells on the shoulder but the movement of his arm towards the ball convinced the referee to point to the spot for the second time. Ross Chapman guessed correctly but there was too much power and the home side had a lifeline.

Crawford had the chance to seal the game by laying in Smith on a counter but his dallying on the ball meant by the time it arrived at Smith’s feet, the chance was gone. Although the defending by the one remaining defender has to be applauded.

Ryan Lynch replaced Ian Bailey as Stirling looked to retain possession with the clock running down. Wells was atone for the penalty incident with a crisp strike from 20 yards into the bottom corner giving the students a cushion they would come to need in the closing minutes.

The home side were reduced to ten men after Mitchell committed a foul and the central midfielder took exception, giving the creative midfielder a kick and push in the face for his trouble. Slamannan made one final effort at overturning the lead and made it 3-2 after a good strike from outside the box snuck in at the near post after Stirling failed to react to a quick free kick.

Stirling held out though to take 3 points that on another day could have been lost had the students not kept their composure. For their second competitive game as a squad Coach Tommy Craig will be pleased to see they have not lost their winning mentality over the summer break. With more match practice will surely come better performances but 3 points is all what they wanted from this early season encounter.

Coach’s Man of the Match: Ryan Mahoney

Stirling: Chapman, Dixon, Mahoney, Charles, McCue, Crawford, Boyle (Wells), Mitchell, Bailey (Lynch), McLaughlin, MacDougall (Smith) Subs: Meechan, McLean,

Stirling 2 Loganlea 0



Parade around Stirling to be arranged



Title glory for deserving students

Stirling clinched the title with a comfortable win which saw them become the university side to move out of the league for the first time since their entry into the Stirling and District set-up in the late 1970’s.

The result was far more comfortable on the day than the scoreline suggests as the students made the most of their time on Stirling’s version of Wembley, the Stade De Gowrie. It may be a while before any of the team get to return to grace the park and they put on a terrific showing, providing the 20-strong support at the sidelines with a day to remember before Final Fling in the evening.

After the 5-1 win over Zetland in midweek, Stirling were full of confidence and this showed as they took control of the game from the off. The students looked determined as they tried to carve open a side who gave them one of their toughest games of the season in the reverse fixture, winning 1-0 in a hostile away match.



Quinn in impressive form



Ryan Quinn has been in imperious form down the left in the final games of the season and could have opened the scoring after just ten minutes. Released by a slide-rule Boyle pass through the centre, Quinn outstripped the defenders for pace but could only shoot straight at the keeper as Stirling settled well.

Chris Betreen and Matty McLaughlin have been in outstanding scoring touch recently, with 11 in the last 5 before this, and both looked dangerous once again as their movement caused havoc for the Loganlea backline.

It was top scorer Betreen who had the first attempt at keeping the streak going beating the offside trap to bare down on the keeper. Rounding the goalie, he did well to stay on his feet before shooting but the shot lacked enough power and the covering defender managed to clear.

Stirling looked dangerous every time they went forward with Will Barker in a typically creative mood. Spraying balls from side-to-side he was giving the kind of display that saw him named player of the year at the end of season awards. Ably assisted by Stevie Boyle, the two central midfielders were dictating the play as the students tried to get the win they need to secure the title.

They were to get the opener after 25 minutes and it was McLaughlin who got it. After another run from Quinn had escaped the troubled Loganlea right-back, he squared the ball across the penalty area. After Betreen couldn’t get there at the front post, McLaughlin arrived at the back to tap home, ease Stirling nerves and give the home crowd a chance to get their vuvuzela’s out.



Mahoney in typical 'Taps Aff' fashion.



Playing in their final games as students of the university, Ryan Mahoney and returning skipper Jono Cooper were commanding as ever in the heart of the defence not giving the opposition strike-force a sniff. Backed by James Brodie and Graeme Crawford in the fullback slots, Loganlea never got into the game, as an attacking force, at any stage.

Barker almost added to the lead after arriving late into the box to connect with Quinn’s cross but the Shrewsbury born number 7 couldn't direct his header away from the keeper and it was blocked away to safety. Stirling couldn’t force a second goal before half-time but went into the break buoyed by their first half performance, on a pitch that had deteriorated with a season’s worth of wear and tear to contend with.

The students were again dominant in the second period with Loganlea seemingly conceding that the students were the better side and deserved the trophy that was almost theirs. Unlike in midweek, the students kept up their level of performance in the second 45 and looked dangerous every time they went forward.

Mahoney rifled a free kick into the wall from a dangerous position, Barker put a free kick over the bar and McLaughlin had an effort saved by the keeper as Stirling continued to pile pressure on the defence.

The central midfield pairing of Loganlea began to see more of the ball as the half wore on and from a ball in behind, they nearly grabbed an undeserved equaliser. Cooper blocked a ball through and tried to take the ball out of defence. He was robbed by the opposing striker and with a first time hit the young left winger for Loganlea rattled the post from 20 yards.



MacDougall almost added
to the scoreline. It's meant to
be Blue Peter  by the way.
"Thinking outside the box".



Taking advantage of the let off Stirling sealed the win as Crawford got into double figures for the season. A drilled corner from Barker went through everyone to the back post and seemingly away from danger. The defender’s clearance though, rebounded off his own man and fell kindly to Crawford 6 yards out who tapped home spreading relief through the Stirling ranks.

MacDougall replaced a tired Betreen up front while Barker was forced off with an injury, McLean coming on with McCall moving inside one. MacDougall had the chance to grab a goal on the hallowed turf after Crawford cut the ball back from the by-line, but his shot from 8 yards went up and over the bar as Stirling looked to add some gloss to the scoreline.

Connor Wells, with the gorgeous Sharon Wells watching on, replaced McCall in the centre of the park and almost scored moments after coming on. McLaughlin managed to run in behind and, going with the shout, cut the ball back to the edge of the area. Wells, even with his new aerodynamic haircut, couldn't get there quickly enough and the keeper smothered the ball at his feet.

Stirling played out the remaining time comfortably against a tired Loganlea side, which fell out of the title race a couple of weeks previous. With the sideline cheering every pass, Stirling played the game out and knew the title was theirs.



Captain will be a
big miss next season.



The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes as the students got their just reward for a tough season and there was a mini pitch invasion from the supporters as they joined in with the victorious songs. With the champagne empty, party poppers popped and the toy trophy presented, the students retreated to the changing rooms where the first of many beverages was cracked open and the third team went to Final Fling as Stirling and District League Champions.

Ecstatic captain Cooper said “I’m over the moon for the boys and delighted we have got from the season what we deserved. A lot of thanks must go to our coaches Tommy Craig and Gavin Skelton who have been exceptional throughout the year for us. In what could be my last season as a university player, it is a brilliant feeling to win the title as captain and get the team promoted for the first time in its history.”

James Brodie was unavailable for comment due to drunken circumstances.

Speacial mention must go to Ryan Mahoney, Jono Cooper, Matty McLaughlin, Chris Betreen and James Brodie who are in their final year as students and all will be massively missed.

Man of the Match: Ryan Quinn

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

Zetland 1 Stirling 5

Commanding victory leaves students 2 points from the title

Having won the previous encounter at home 1-0 with a last minute winner, the students were expecting a tough challenge in the return fixture. However Stirling blew their opposition away within half an hour to put them closer to securing the league title with a game to spare.

From the first whistle Stirling were on top as they looked to impose themselves on the game. Jamie McLean had come in for Ryan Lynch, on the right hand side, with Lynch still recovering from a midweek knock. McLean was heavily involved early on, driving at the defence and setting up Ryan Quinn who wastefully lobbed over the bar.



Influential early on.



McLean then had the chance to score himself as, after great build up play had released Quinn in behind and his shot was blocked, McLean strolled onto the ball 6 yards out but his shot was cleared off the line by the covering defender.

Zetland were playing an astonishingly high line which was to be their downfall throughout the first half, and ultimately led to the opening goal. Reaching a McLean through ball on the by-line Betreen took his time and squeezed the ball past the keeper into the bottom left hand corner which has become somewhat of a trademark for Betreen over his four years at university.

Stirling wasted little time in adding another as yet another through ball caught out the defence and McLean found himself through on goal. Taking the sensible option he squared for Quinn to have the simple task of knocking the ball home and unleashing the infamous lizard’s tongue.

Zetland were in disarray at how to handle the away side as they continued to pour forward in search of more goals. They found a third and it was that man Betreen again who sealed the game after only twenty minutes of play. Slipped in brilliantly in behind by Will Barker, Betreen took the ball on and surprised the goalkeeper by hitting an early strike that whistled into the near post top corner for his 21^st of the season.

MoM in great form.

Betreen was again at the centre of things moment later when Zetland were awarded a highly debatable red card. Having driven down the right-hand touchline brilliantly away from the defence, he was caught late after a cross but it was a surprise to everyone when the referee went for is back rather than front pocket. It was a lunging tackle but an early bath was unfortunate and killed any Zetland thoughts of a comeback.

Betreen almost got the illusive hat-trick he has been searching for all his uni career when a left foot scorcher rattled the bar and was cleared away to safety.

Any comeback hopes were further dented by a fourth goal of the game, coming from the in-form Matty McLaughlin. Betreen played in Quinn, who was clearly onside despite the calls from the Zetland sideline, and his shot was parried across to leave McLaughlin to put the ball into the empty net.

Half-time arrived with the game all but over and Stirling didn’t reach the same standard in the second half as they had in the first.

Sloppy passing and too many long balls led to Zetland having more of the game and putting Stirling under some sustained pressure. While the defence held firm, frustration seemed to be creeping in as they couldn’t replicate their composure from the first half.

Zetland started to create some chances as their pacey left winger had pushed up front in the second period. Ross Harkness was rarely troubled though as shots went well wide.

Quinn had a chance to add to the lead after a surging Ryan Mahoney run found the big centre half in the left hand side of the box. He squared to Quinn who scuffed his shot much to the stoppers frustration as he started the long trek back to centre half.

Graeme Crawford was withdrawn with a slight injury, and also to avoid further embarrassment from the quick striker who began to get the edge as the game progressed, with Connor Wells replacing him and Stevie Boyle filling in at right back.

Wells was immediately involved as he got into the penalty area to support. McLean got to the by-line and his cutback was met sweetly by ‘Weasley’ but the ball flew just over the bar to keep the magic wand celebration on ice and the first goal for a woman in district league football still to arrive.



Looked lively when introduced.



Stirling made a double switch with Betreen and Barker replaced by Euan McCall and Mikey MacDougall. MacDougall was involved from the off, with his new boots being proudly displayed to the masses, and his work-rate was troubling the Zetland defence and he won the ball back on numerous occasions.

MacDougall was unlucky not be awarded a penalty after a good one-two down the left gave him a shooting opportunity. As he was striking the ball the defender clipped his ankle, but the referee waved claims away claiming that the defender won the ball.

Stirling were to concede with ten minutes to go which was what they deserved from a lacklustre second half, although the ‘Get the ball’ shouts from Zetland were a tad ambitious. A touch and strike on the right-hand side of Stirling’s areas beat Harkness at his near post although it was a powerful strike which would have required a lot to keep out.

Stirling had the better for the final ten minutes and added some gloss to the scoreline with McLaughlin getting the customary brace Stirling 3^rd team strikers seem to love getting. Great running from MacDougall down the right meant he had time to deliver across the goal and McLaughlin was there to tap home.

With 11 goals in the last 4 games for the McLaughlin and Betreen strike pairing, they have become a lethal combination up front. With both in their final year at university they are going to be massive shoes to fill next season and hopefully they can sing of with a title winner’s medal to add to their massive collection of goals.

This was the perfect response by Stirling to the pressure of leading the title race. With Braehead losing to Stirling Thistle in the other game of meaning, it leaves Stirling needing 2 points from 2 games to win the title.

However they will look to have it done and dusted on Saturday against Loganlea. Playing on Stirling’s Stade de Gowrie in front of a record crowd, would be a fitting way to end the season. And with Final Fling arriving at night, providing the result goes the right way, the scenes after the game could be unbelievable.

Man of the Match: Chris Betreen

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

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