By Graham Fleming
University of Stirling are out of the Lowland League Cup after a 4-1 group stage defeat at the
hands of Broomhill.
The students were guaranteed a quarter-final place if they won their final group stage game,
however David Gormley’s men were too much on the day – which now means they are out of the
competition.
The Stirling weather could not have produced a more perfect day for the tie, however the
glorious sunshine beating down on Forthbank was not to be a good omen for the students, as
they were beaten by a confident Broomhill side who were worth their victory.
Stirling University head coach Chris Geddes was impressed with his side’s effort in the second
half despite the final result: “I’m disappointed to be out of this competition. We had twelve or thirteen chances in the second half, while Broomhill only had two, but fair play to them it was some really nice finishes and they deserved it – but yeah I’m disappointed to be out.
“Broomhill knew they needed a win to go through and they scored after a minute.
“I can’t fault my players after the second half performance because they were excellent. The
subs came on and they created chances and we just have to do better when we do create the
chances. It was just a poor day at the office.”
The match got off to the worst possible start for the home side when Reegan Aitken began the
scoring for the visitors within the opening minute.
The forward ran onto a long ball, and his deft touch away from his defender presented him with
a good look at goal, and he made no mistake as Broomhill struck the first blow.
Long balls seemed to be a persistent problem for the Stirling centre-halves, as Aitken was again
allowed another chance from the long ball. Joel Taylor and his goalkeeper failed to
communicate, and Aitken attempted a shot which Yan Gromov Godik saved eventually.
Jason Jarvis then struck the bar with a vicious effort as Stirling finally got to grips with
the game with a quarter of an hour passed in the game – however it would only get worse for
Stirling as Broomhill were awarded a penalty shortly after.
Matthew Burrows took too long with the ball at the back which resulted in him being
pickpocketed by Aitken. The forward then dashed into the box and was deemed to be illegally
challenged by the home side and the referee pointed to the spot.
Ryan Sinnamon struck the penalty kick hard and low in the centre, which was initially saved by
the keeper, however, he was helpless to prevent the rebound and Broomhill went into the
second half two goals to the good.
The second half saw a change in personnel and shape – with three subs playing in an altered
3-5-2 after the break which gave them some success.
Immediately after the restart, Lucas de Zoeten almost converted from a corner, while Jamie Penker fresh-aired a cross which looked easier to score.
Despite the home side’s renewed energy, it was not to be their day as Broomhill would add a
third through Finlay Gray, as he took advantage of a counter attack and slotted home.
The chances would continue to come for Stirling throughout the second half as
McKinlay, McGale and Euan Baird all had opportunities worthy of a goal in the second period,
but it was just not their day as Broomhill put the final nail in the coffin late on through Gray
again.
The game ended at 4-1 as the home side finally got their reward through a consolation goal for
their efforts in the second half as Jamie Penker converted from a corner.
Despite the result, the students will have to pick themselves up as they play in the East of Scotland Qualifying quarter final on Wednesday away at Bo’ness United, with a 7.45pm kick-off.