University of Stirling U20s 3–1 Benburb FC U20s
Scottish Lowland Development Challenge Cup

University of Stirling FC’s under 20s side completed a memorable double by winning the Scottish Lowland Development League’s Challenge Cup on Friday 31 May.

More than a hundred teams started in the competition, which brings together development teams from the East and West of Scotland – but it was the men from Stirling who lifted the cup on a summer’s night at Newtown Park, Bo’ness.

It was the fairytale ending to a hugely successful season where the students played some scintillating football. The young students had already sealed their league win by way of a 6-0 thrashing handed out to Linlithgow Rose a few weeks prior.

Friday’s cup final was a true battle of champions, with Govan’s Benburb FC winning their own league in the West of Scotland. The opening period was end-to-end, with both teams creating chances and defending well.

Stirling target man Nathan Tallen was a continual pest in the Benburb box, using his frame to cause all sorts of problems for the opposition defence.

And his fellow striker Rian McLean would win a penalty minutes before the break, showing some tricky feet and being hoofed for his troubles. Captain Ben Southern stepped up to smash home from the spot, giving the keeper no chance.

Southern was to turn creator minutes into the second half, with a trademark marauding run from defence and layoff to McLean, who dinked a tidy finish over the onrushing Benburb goalkeeper.

Benburb were energised, and the Govan team hit back almost immediately with a deflected shot following some pinball in the Stirling box.

In a contrast to the first half, the second was a nervy affair with Benburb missing some gilt-edged chances.

But for all Benburb’s possession, the Stirling lads held firm and sealed the game seconds before the final whistle.

Nick Muir took advantage of the advanced Benburb defence – who were pressing for a late leveller – slipping in behind and beating the keeper in a one-on-one.

The former Alloa man’s strike led to wild celebrations from the boys in green, with the referee calling full-time just as Benburb restarted.

University of Stirling FC U20s: Buttigieg, Hunter, Laird, Southern, Paterson, Bone, Malcolm, Tallen, Walker, Martin, McLean.

Subs: Sutherland, Regan, Giordmaina, Muir, Wright, Dobson, Penman

Match photography: George Vekic Photography