By Andrew Robson at Ferguson Park
Stirling University won their third game in seven days as they defeated Heart of Midlothian B 4-2 on Saturday.
Goals from Jake Service, Ben Heal, Cammy McKinlay and Ben Maciver-Redwood sealed all three points in the Lowland League clash.
Despite controlling the game from kick-off, Chris Geddes’ side conceded two late second-half goals, going in all square at the interval. The Uni would reassert their dominance in the second half, showing their class to see out the game.
After the game, the head coach said: “We were disappointed at halftime, it was a bit criminal that we somehow conceded two when we were on top, but they showed why they are full-time young lads.
“But we said character at halftime, and boy did the players show it in the second half.”
The Uni got off to an excellent start. A Heal long throw was well flicked on by Maciver-Redwood who found Jake Service, the defender heading in the first from 6 yards out.
The long throw proved an effective weapon, causing the Hearts backline problems all afternoon.
The second came with just 15 minutes on the clock after Hearts failed to clear from a free kick. The ball fell to Ben Heal on the edge of the area, who found the bottom corner.
Stirling pinned Hearts inside their half for most of the first 45, but the Edinburgh side pulled two back on the counterattack. First, the lively Makenzie Kirk poked the ball home at the near post before Murray Thomas equalised four minutes later.
Hearts finding themselves back in the game at half-time despite offering little attacking threat.
The second half started much like the first. The Uni took control of the game, with good chances coming to Maciver-Redwood, McKinley and Stokes.
The Uni retook the lead through Cammy McKinley on minute 57. Some great work from Jarvis and Stokes out on the right as the ball fell to Cammy McKinley who fired his shot past McFarlane in goal.
Ben Maciver-Redwood added the fourth following some more brilliant play down the right flank. The striker found the bottom corner with his left-footed strike. James Stokes tormenting the Hearts defenders all game long.
Stirling continued to push with three penalty shouts all waved away by the referee.
This time Stirling took the sting out of the game. Goalkeeper Ben Fry had a quiet second half but was there required right at the end, producing a top save from Kirk, who looked dangerous in glimpses.
The Uni’s front two worked tirelessly throughout as Hearts B struggled to play out, inviting pressure all afternoon.
Geddes was full of praise for Maciver-Redwood and McKinley at full-time. He said: “Both of them were outstanding, they played on Wednesday as well, and they both got their goal which is great after having a few chances.
“But they do more than that, they don’t just score goals, they bring other people into play, they work the centre-backs.
“Also the guys behind, Ben Heal, James [Berry], Ciaran [McAninch], James Stokes and Jason [Jarvis] were excellent, and then the back three plus Ben were really solid.
“A really good day, three more points, which is really good.”
Saturday’s game at Ferguson Park was the student’s tenth game of October. They are back in action on Wednesday when they travel to Nottingham in the BUCS Premier North.
Heart of Midlothian B: McFarlane, Friel (Nair 68’), Crookston (Duncan 68’), Kirk, Thomas, Gordon, Drysdale (Hambrook 68’), Forrester, Rathie, Sandilands, McLuckie.
University of Stirling: Fry, Thompson, Service, Lavery, Heal, Jarvis (Russel 73’), Berry (Gilmour 90’), McAninch, Stokes, McKinley (McGill 88’), Maciver-Redwood (Mirzasalimov 88’).