The University of Stirling men’s first team secured a crucial three points in the Lowland League, beating Bo’ness United 3-1 at Forthbank

Goals from Ciaran McAninch, Ben Maciver-Redwood and Cameron McKinley cancelled out Ryan Porteous’ opener, whilst an excellent penalty save from Yan Gromov Godik ensured victory for The Uni.

Head coach Chris Geddes said: “I thought we were excellent in the second half and deserved the win. That’s four unbeaten for us in all competitions now so it was a really good day.”

“We defended really well and on the counter we were excellent. The goals were really good as well.”

After his match-winning performance, Gromov Godik said: “I’m just really happy for everyone because we deserved it.”

“I’m really happy to help the team but everyone was unbelievable and really strong which is what we needed.”

Bo’ness came out of the blocks quickest and almost took the lead after four minutes. A cut-in from the right found Fin Malcolm in the box but Gromov Godik was strong at his near post to save.

The Uni were limited to a few opportunities in the first half but looked threatening on the counter. Ben Heal was able to break away from his own half to force a two vs one, he eventually found McKinley who fired over inside the box.

Gromov Godik was called into action again to keep the scores level after 20 minutes. Lucas Stenhouse was denied first from 5 yards then the goalkeeper closed the angle on Porteous, forcing the striker to drag wide.

The visitors would finally beat Gromov Godik on the half-hour mark from the penalty spot. Tom Grant was adjudged to have been tripped in the box, with Porteous making no mistake to give his side the lead.

Malcolm nearly doubled Bo’ness’ lead after he got the better of Jake Service, but Gromov Godik was out quickly again to save well and keep the score 1-0 at half-time.

Stirling changed their formation at the break and had the opportunity to level the match after just five minutes. A clumsy challenge by Bo’ness ‘keeper Musa Dibaga gave The Uni a penalty and McAninch blasted in to equalise.

The change in formation gave the hosts a foothold in the game and they took the lead on 55 minutes. McKinley battled to keep the ball alive in the final third, with it eventually dropping for Maciver-Redwood who volleyed an unstoppable strike on the half-volley past Dibaga.

Counterattacks continued to threaten Bo’ness as The Uni looked to add to their lead. McKinley drove into the final third and found McAninch but his shot was tame and comfortable for Dibaga.

The game looked to be petering out when, following a set piece, Isa Aslanoglu handled the ball and gave Bo’ness the opportunity for a late equaliser. Fin Malcolm stepped up but Gromov Godik guessed correctly and tipped the ball around his right post.

With eight minutes added on at the end, Stirling secured the victory through McKinley. Another driving run from Heal found the striker who slotted the ball into the far post to make sure of the three points.

Geddes’ side will now turn their attention to BUCS fixtures where they will hope to continue their momentum against Newcastle University on Wednesday.

University of Stirling: Gromov Godik, Jeanes, Aslanoglu, Lavery, Service, Scally (Malcolm 79), Heal, Russell, McAninch (Morris 74), Maciver-Redwood (Docherty 79), McKinley