The University of Stirling men’s first team battled to a 2-1 home win against Cowdenbeath in the Lowland League.

Despite going behind in the first half, the Uni fought back, with two goals from James Stokes enough to see off the away side.

Head coach Chris Geddes, said: “We had to take our chances, and we did.

“There’s no easy games in the Lowland League, and this was no different. Everyone’s fighting for points and we need to keep up, and we’re doing well at that at the moment on all fronts”.

It was a cagey first half, with both sides battling for every ball.

Cowdenbeath would break the deadlock in the 19th minute.

After a mix-up at the back for Stirling, striker Zack Butterworth was played in behind, and was able to evade the challenge from keeper Yan Gromov and slotted home.

The Uni remained focused and hunted for an equaliser.

They soon found it through James Stokes just before the break.

After a good run on the right wing, Stokes cut inside and hit a powerful strike with his left foot into the bottom right corner.

In the 63rd minute, Stirling got their second of the game.

A corner was whipped in from the right from Ciaran McAninch , which was met by Cameron McKinley, his effort rattling off the post. The ball found its way to Stokes, who pounced with a diving header, scoring into the roof of the net.

The Uni could have had a third through a late free-kick.

McKinley was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet after his headed effort went over the bar.

Following a late penalty save against Hearts B in the previous match, keeper Yan Gromov Godik helped Stirling get over the line yet again.

After a great delivery from Jamie Docherty out wide, the ball was headed by substitute striker Daryl Healy which forced a great save from Yan Gromov Godik at point-blank range.

Stirling University will now turn their attention to their next Lowland League fixture against Berwick Rangers on Saturday 10th of February at Forthbank Stadium, kick-off at 3pm.

The full match gallery can be viewed on the George Vekic photography website.

University of Stirling: Gromov Godik, Lavery, Service, Aslanoglu, De Zoeten (Russell 61), Scally, Heal, Stokes, McAninch, McKinley, Maciver-Redwood