University of Edinburgh 1 – 1 University of Stirling
Saturday 7 September, Lowland League

Stirling and Edinburgh couldn’t be separated in the first Lowland League university derby of the season – with the student sides leaving with a share of the spoils.

The match ended 1-1 after a first-half goal from Stirling captain Angus Mailer was cancelled out early in the second by a Mark Waters header. The draw leaves Stirling in 10^th – with 11 points from seven matches – and Edinburgh in 14^th.

Speaking after the match, manager Chris Geddes said: “We are disappointed not to get the win – I thought we deserved more from the match – but fair play to Edinburgh; they defended their box very well and looked dangerous on the counter attack.”

The match – at East Peffermill, Edinburgh – was well balanced with both teams working hard trying to keep the ball and move it well. It was a first-half of few chances, but one of those fell to Mailer on 24 minutes – with the defender getting on the end of a Jason Jarvis corner to head past the Edinburgh goalkeeper Kieran McDougall.

Stirling ended the half the better side and Robbie McGale had the opportunity to double his side’s lead just before the break – but McDougall made a good save.

Edinburgh started the second half well and, on 48 minutes, Waters met a corner kick to head in the equaliser.

Stirling almost responded immediately through another effort from McGale – but McDougall saved low.

On 70 minutes, Edinburgh were reduced to 10 men after one of their players was red carded for a second bookable offence and, for the remaining 20 minutes, Stirling pushed for the winner. However, Edinburgh defended well and the match finished 1-1.

Stirling’s focus now turns to their South Challenge Cup match against Arniston Rangers. The second round encounter will take place at Forthbank Stadium on Sunday (16 September, 3pm kick-off).

For more information on Stirling University Football Club, visit: stirlingunifc.stir.ac.uk

Stirling University: Walker, Quigley, Webb (Heath, 73’), Mailer, Burrows, Downie, Brown, Berry, Hall (Murray, 77’), Jarvis, McGale (Penker, 77’)
Unused subs: McMaster, Kennedy, Doan, Fry.
Goal: Mailer (24’)

Edinburgh University: McDougall, Murray, Purves, McGuire, Macfarlane, Daniels-Yeomans, Sinclair, Waters, Watters, Baird, Maskrey.
Subs: McDonald, Kemp, McBeth, Laing.
Goal: Waters (48′)