The University of Stirling men’s first team scored late on to claim a hard earned point in a 2-2 draw against Albion Rovers at Forthbank Stadium.
An 89th minute strike from Cameron McKinley saw the Uni claw their way back from a two goal deficit.
Head coach Chris Geddes said: “We showed great character. I think a draw is a fair result, they’ll obviously go home disappointed because they were 2-0 up, but it was a real battle”.
“After the last two losses, we asked them to fight a bit more and to be more aggressive. Despite conceding two, I do think we looked a lot more solid defensively tonight”.
It was a back and forth affair throughout, with a high intensity from both sides.
Chances, however, were few and far between in the first half.
In the 21st minute, the intense pressing from the Uni resulted in an indirect free-kick after the Albion keeper picked up a pass back in the box. However, McKinley’s strike was blocked by the Rovers defence.
The Uni finished off the half well, controlling the game and continuing to probe the Rovers box.
But it would be the away side who would strike first early into the second half.
In the 47th minute, a ball was played over the top to Rovers striker Joseph, who’s touch took him away from Uni defence, and his left footed shot slotted past Gromov into the bottom right corner.
Rovers would double their advantage in the 60th minute, as a ball was whipped in from the left, and was headed home by young striker Prince.
The away team looked certain to come away with the victory and began to dominate proceedings.
The Uni were handed a lifeline after their free kick on the edge of the Rovers box resulted in an own goal from Connolly after he dropped the ball on the goal line.
The home side would continue their brilliant response to conceding the two goals.
In the 89th minute, substitute Jose Navarro made a great run down the right hand side, who’s pass found McKinley, who drove into the box and his powerful strike found the bottom left corner of the net.
It was a much-needed result for the University, who now face Airdrieonians in the SPFL trust trophy this Saturday at Forthbank.
See the full gallery for the match on the George Vekic photography website.
University of Stirling: Gromov Godik, Lavery, Morris(Maciver-Redwood 61), Aslanoglu, Jeanes, Malcolm (Manomey 61), Heal, James Russell (Woloszyn 80), Shea Scally (Navarro 80), McAninch, McKinley
Featured image credit: George Vekic Photography