Saturday 3 August, Lowland League
The University of Stirling recorded their first win of their 2019/20 Lowland League campaign with an impressive performance away to Berwick Rangers at the weekend.
It was a resilient performance from the student footballers who led for most of the match, before being pegged back with little over 10 minutes of the match remaining. However, Stirling restored their lead – and secured all three points – moments later, slotting home a penalty.
The result came just days after Stirling manager Chris Geddes watched his side lose 1-0 in their first league match of the season against Civil Service Strollers.
Speaking after Saturday’s win, Geddes said: “I am delighted to get the first win on the board.
“Berwick dropped down from League Two last season, so we knew that the trip to Shielfield Park was going to be one of the harder fixtures this season. It was a tough match but the boys deserved to come away with the three points – especially after being unlucky midweek.”
Highlights of match, courtesy of Berwick Rangers.
With The Borderers also looking for their first points of the season, the match began at a fast pace with the first chance falling to Stirling’s vice-captain Craig Brown, who shot over.
However, it didn’t take long for Stirling’s new signing James Jarvis to break the deadlock. Striker Kieran Hall worked hard to get on the end of a long kick from Stirling goalkeeper Kevin Walker, with the ball falling to Jarvis, whose left-footed strike found the top corner from 25 yards.
Berwick looked dangerous as the half wore on, but good defensive work and an excellent save from Walker meant Stirling retained their advantage until half time.
Following the break, Berwick changed from four to three at the back in a bid to push forward. They played a number of long diagonal balls but Stirling’s backline defended well.
Berwick hit the bar before Grant Rose equalised from six yards on 77 minutes, following a cross from the left.
Moments later, on 81 minutes, Stirling were given the opportunity to restore their advantage from the penalty spot after a hand was used to block a shot. There may have been understandable nerves, as Stirling missed a number of penalties last season, but Brown stepped up and scored.
Reflecting on his winning strike, Brown said: “It was a great feeling to see the penalty go in, given that we struggled from the spot last season.
“I thought we deserved the win and it’s really promising that a young group of boys can match a team like Berwick, with lots of experience.”
The University’s next match will take place at Forthbank Stadium on Saturday [August 10], as they welcome Cumbernauld Colts. Tickets are priced at £6 for adults and £3 for concessions / students.
University team v Berwick Rangers: Walker, Burrows, Webb, Mailer, Downie, McGale, Berry, Brown, Jarvis (Doan, 65’), Baird (Bremner, 77’), Hall (Heath, 51’).
Unused subs: Allan, Kennedy, Peden, Trialist.
Goals:
Berwick Rangers: Rose (77’)
University of Stirling: Jarvis (17’), Brown (pen, 81’)