University of Stirling 2 – 2 Hearts B

University of Stirling students battled back from a two-goal deficit to draw with Hearts B at Forthbank.

The Edinburgh side – who went into Sunday’s match with four wins from their first six Lowland League matches – put on an impressive first-half show and were 2-0 up at the interval.

However, it was the students who emerged stronger for the second 45 – scoring moments after the restart and then again on 88 minutes to snatch a draw.

University of Stirling Head Coach Chris Geddes said: “In the first half, Hearts were very, very good – they were making it difficult for us, passing the ball really fast and we were struggling to get near them.

“But, in the second half we changed things, and got back into the game and were able to score a late goal to get the draw.

“We would have taken a point before the game – but even more so after the break, being 2-0 down. It was a tough game and we’re happy with our comeback and to get the draw.”

Hearts opened the scoring early in the first half, when a cross came in from wide and an unmarked Mackenzie Ross headed into the net.

With just moments of the first half to go, a mistake in the Stirling defence allowed Matthew Gillies to pounce and put it past Adam Buttigieg in the Stirling goal.

Facing an uphill battle, Geddes introduced forward Nathan Tallen at half-time – and it was the substitute who capitalised on an error from the Hearts defence early in the second half. After their centre back passed it straight to Tallen, he slotted it past the visitors’ goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald.

The University were buoyed by the goal and continued the half well, however, Hearts continued to threaten on the counter attack.

Stirling captain Ben Heal almost levelled the scores after a super solo run saw him beat three Hearts players – but MacDonald saved.

However, the students’ resilience paid off with just two minutes left on the clock. Jay Burns sent in an outswinging corner and Carter Jenkins bulleted home a header to earn Stirling a draw.

The University are 10th in the Lowland League, after taking seven points from their first five games. They return to league action on Saturday with an away trip to East Stirlingshire, currently in 17th spot.

University of Stirling starting XI: Buttigieg, Aslanoglu, Service, Jenkins, Heal, McCafferty, Woloszyn, Walker, Moffett, Martin, Burns