The University of Stirling suffered last-minute heartbreak against Gala Fairydean Rovers in the Lowland League, losing 1-0 at Forthbank.

Debutant Sam Young powered home from a corner to secure all three points for the visitors, despite the Uni controlling the majority of the match.

Head Coach Chris Geddes said: “We’re very disappointed. We created enough chances and their keeper made some good saves.

“Fair play to them they worked really hard but we have to be better. Recently our attacking players haven’t been quite at the races, we’re still creating chances but just need to start taking them.”

The first half showed similarities to Stirling’s previous league match against Caledonian Braves, with chances at a premium. Ben Maciver-Redwood was played into the box from the left by James Russell, but the striker’s shot flew over the bar.

Gala defended in numbers throughout and were able to block Stirling’s shots. After seeing a shot crowded out, Cameron McKinley layed the ball to Russell who failed to test Jay Cantley.

Stirling continued to dominate the ball in the second half and would’ve taken the lead on 50 minutes if not for more good defending. A quick free kick was flicked onto McKinley who was tackled, with the ball eventually falling to Ciaran McAninch who was challenged brilliantly to prevent a goal.

The best chance of the game for Stirling came with ten minutes to go. James Stokes drove into the box and crossed in to find McKinley, his shot was saved by Cantley who then somehow blocked Stokes’ rebound from a yard out.

Heartbreak came with three minutes to play as a cross into the back post for Sam Young, on loan from Dunfirmline, to head home past a helpless Yan Gromov Godik.

The Uni scrambled to find an equaliser in stoppage time. Jack Docherty thought he had found the goal from 8 yards, but once again the Gala defence was on hand to clear.

It wasn’t to be for Stirling as Gala’s valient defending was enough to claim the three points. They will have to wait a fortnight to avenge the loss, hosting Edinburgh University in the Lowland league on the 30th March.

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

University of Stirling: Gromov Godik, Aslanoglu, Lavery, Jeanes, Russell, Scally, Heal, Stokes, McAninch, McKinley, Maciver-Redwood.