EAST STIRLINGSHIRE 2 – 3 UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING

The University of Stirling returned to winning ways with a battling 3-2 victory over East Stirlingshire, producing a strong first-half display before showing resilience to defend their lead in a demanding second half.

East Stirlingshire started strong and applied early pressure, forcing the Uni into action inside the opening minutes as a Shire effort was pushed behind.

Further danger followed when a low cross flashed across the face of the goal without a finishing touch.

Stirling took time to settle, with an early cross running through the box and a smart turn from Moffett ending with a shot straight at the goalkeeper.

Breakthrough

Stirling made the breakthrough early on. Heal drove into the box and finished confidently, giving the visitors the lead.

The advantage was short-lived, however, as Alex Walker equalised a couple of minutes later. A deep free kick was delivered into the area, not held, and eventually forced home to make it 1-1.

Moments later Stirling were dealt a blow when captain Heal was forced off with an ankle knock, Trotter coming on in his place.

Despite the setback, Stirling responded well and regained the lead when Dylan Brown drove into the box and scored a narrow goal to restore the advantage.

Clinical

Momentum stayed with the university side, and just two minutes later they extended their lead. A well-worked move saw Burns pick out Brown, who finished clinically for his second goal of the game and Stirling’s third.

East Stirlingshire continued to create chances, including a shot flashing across the face of goal, but Stirling went into the break with a deserved 3-1 lead. Vonk was booked in first-half stoppage time.

Stirling began the second half on the front foot, with Burns forcing the goalkeeper into a save and a spell of pressure resulting in a series of corners. Moffett was denied at close range by a good save, while Shire struck the bar as they searched for a route back into the match.

East Stirlingshire’s persistence paid off when a cross was fired home by Stephen O’Neill. The hosts pushed hard, winning corners and free kicks, but Stirling defended resolutely.

Alex produced an important block as Shire ramped up the pressure and later held a free kick from just outside the box.

In stoppage time East Stirlingshire continued to send shots into the box from corners, but Stirling held firm to secure all three points on a challenging day.

Chris Geddes praised his players after the match, saying:

“Really happy for the boys and everyone associated with the team. Coming off a run of tight league losses, it was good to grind one out and get three points. A really good first half and three good goals, but credit to East Stirlingshire in the second half; they came at us, and we had to defend well a lot in the second half.

“All credit to the players. They are battling injuries and illnesses, but they keep turning up and giving their all. That’s all we can ask for, and long may it continue.”

Feature Image Credit: https://georgevekicphotography.pixieset.com/