Colts mount stunning comeback as Uni’s late woes continue

The University of Stirling football team gave away a three-goal lead late on to draw against Cumbernauld Colts in the Lowland League.

Three goals in the first half set the Uni on their way to an impressive victory. James Stokes found the opener two minutes in, before assisting Docherty for the second. MacIver-Redwood made it three just before the break.

With twenty minutes to go in the game, Colts grabbed what looked to be a consolation goal through Reg McLaren. Jake Service put it into his own net to give the Colts life, and McLaren grabbed his brace to complete the comeback.

Head Coach Chris Geddes said: “For 72 minutes we were excellent and in control in tough conditions and scored three good goals. Then we lost poor goals and Colts got back into it.”

“Similar to last weekend and a missed opportunity for more points. Disappointing but we move on to the next 2 games on the 26th and the 30th .”

Eager to impress after last week’s draw with Tranent, the students got off to the perfect start. Marcus Lavery played a brilliant cross-field ball to the right wing to James Stokes, who cut inside and fired the ball into the net for the opener.

Stirling didn’t let off, while the home side looked slightly shaken. Cammy McKinley had a penalty shout waved off after a defensive mishap in the Cumbernauld box.

And they were rewarded for their efforts 25 minutes in. A well-worked corner found Stokes, whose low cross picked out Jack Docherty who tapped home to give Stirling a two-goal cushion.

Colts looked a little better after their second wake-up call, with one chance going wide, and another parried away well by Yan Gromov Godik in the Stirling goal.

But the home side were dealt another blow just before half-time. Maciver-Redwood directed a deflected shot from striker partner McKinley, into the goal to extend the lead further.

Colts showed signs of life early in the second half, putting pressure on the Stirling goal, and looking to get back into it. Yan was kept busy, saving a shot close, before being called into action again, tipping over a Colts header from a corner.

Stirling continued to defend but were undone by what looked like a harmless long ball from Callum Home. It found Reg McLaren, who struck the ball well to beat Gromov Godik. A lifeline for the hosts.

Then 10 minutes later, Colts forced the Uni keeper into several saves before Jake Service headed an attempted clearance into his own goal.

With ten to go, all the momentum went to the hosts. Despite good pressing from the students, Colts looked determined.

In the 87th minute, the Colts completed their miraculous comeback. After a fantastic run on the right flank, substitute Daniel Hatfield cut it back to McLaren who made no mistake past Gromov Godik.

Colts were keen for a winner, but in the end, had to settle for the point.

A disappointing afternoon for the students, giving away another game late on. Next up for the Uni are two games against Edinburgh University, an opportunity to end the year on a high.

University of Stirling: Gromov Godik, Morris, Service, Lavery, Heal, Russell, Docherty (Scally 75), McAninch, McKinley (Moffett 70), Maciver-Redwood, Stokes.

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