By Graham Fleming at East Peffermill

University of Stirling had to settle for a point after an enthralling game with their rivals
Edinburgh University ended 4-4.

Stirling struck first in the opening couple of minutes through new boy Scott McArthur only for
Edinburgh to reply 10 minutes later.

This would be the pattern as Edinburgh took the lead through Baird, Spelman and Lawson
however Stirling replied time and time again thanks to Conor Doan and a brace from Euan
McGill to end the game at 4-4.

Speaking after the game, Head Coach Chris Geddes said: “Very disappointing. Credit to Edinburgh University because they took their chances when they came and defended really well at times.

“Poor defending from both teams I think, some nice finishes from us through Euan McGill – but
when you defend like we did at times you are not going to win a game of football.

“We had enough shots at goal and enough chances to win the game – no excuses from me. It
wasn’t good enough.”

The University derby can be action packed the best of times but this was truly an afternoon for
the spectator as the game kicked off at full throttle.

Stirling took the lead in the second minute as a shot from the left by McGill rebounded off the
keeper and McArthur was there to start the scoring as he poked home from close range.

Edinburgh had a reply 10 minutes later as sublime dribbling down the left led to a cross which caused a goalmouth scramble. The ball ricocheted off several players before ending up in the back of Stirling’s net.

Stirling continued to control the play, however, Edinburgh looked dangerous on the break – and this came to a head through Baird as he went alone with an impressive dribble and lofted it over Ben Fry in the net.

Shortly afterwards, a penalty was awarded as Calum Rae was bundled over in the box and Doan converted it – sending in the teams level at the break.

Edinburgh aimed to recreate Stirling’s bright start in the first half as they produced a bit of magic in the opening minute of the second period. Baird found Comrie in space on the left and he launched a wonder cross into the path of Spelman who converted an impressive glancing header inside the box.

Stirling responded immediately with McGill’s first of the game – as he fired an effort past the goalkeeper following a cross by Louis Kennedy.

Edinburgh took the lead for the last time in the closing stages as Lawson superbly flicked the ball past Fry – only for Stirling to level up the scores once again through the very impressive McGill, as he converted an excellent half volley from a loose ball in the box to end the game at 4-4.

University of Stirling: Fry, Lavery, Doan, Thompson, Berry, (de Zoeten) McGill, Davidson,
McArthur, (Downie) McGale, Rae, (Stokes) Kennedy.