City return with a victory

Nov 5 2008 by Jean Pedder, Stirling Observer Wednesday

STIRLING CITY FC 2

BONNYBRIDGE YFP 0

AFTER a five week lay off due to weather, Stirling City eventually got back to playing in this Scottish Cup second round match.

City missing some key players notably Currie, McColl and Wilson, made a few changes to the line up. Starts were given to Hislop, Anderson, Millan and Boyle.

Both teams started in a competitive manner with neither goalkeeper being tested. City did look to have the upper hand as they took the game to Bonnybridge, however they couldn’t carve an opening in front of goal.

Defensively City took a while to settle as Bonnybridge were quick in attack, but again like City they could not find their way to goal. Reid had the best chance of the first half, when Dickson angled in an excellent cross and Reid was inches from getting a good connection two yards out, as the ball was headed just over.

Boyle had a few half chances as he latched onto some good midfield play, but he was thwarted by some good defending and goalkeeping. Both sides went in at half- time goalless where something special would have to be created to open the scoring.

No changes by either side at half-time as City upped the tempo. Reid had a great chance just after the start as he went one on one with the keeper, but again the goalkeeper came out best. City were beginning to grow frustrated at chances they couldn’t convert and Bonnybridge also were losing grip on what was a more even contest in the first half. A few mistimed challenges in the first half also went unpunished by the referee, but must have been noted as a few bookings were dished out as the game went on.

C Kerr, Poynton and Millan started to get to grips of the midfield with Anderson making some excellent runs from full-back area causing havoc down the right flank. City eventually opened the scoring after 25 minutes. Reid was unlucky not to convert a ball across the face of goal and as it ricocheted around, Poynton made up the ground from midfield to work his way into the box and knock home the loose ball.

City now had their tails up and went about trying to find the killer second. Bonnybridge were dealt a blow when their right winger was given his marching orders for his second caution for upending Dickson. City freshened up by replacing Cammy for Beveridge as Millan switched flanks. This gave City more injection and soon got their second with 15 minutes to go. Reid was sent through as he peeled away from his markers to beat the offside trap and this time coolly slotted beyond the keeper.

This angered the visitors as they felt it was offside and after the restart found themselves down to nine men as the centre half recklessly brought down Dickson. No argument was made as the game now looked beyond Bonnybridge. City brought on fresh legs for the final 10 mins with Henderson and B Kerr replacing Millan and Dickson. City with extra men in their favour had chance after chance to run up a more convincing scoreline but couldn’t find their way past the Bonnybridge keeper.

A place now in the 3rd round for City where they will travel to Perth on Saturday to face Couper Angus. Birds and Bees man of the match went to Jamie Dickson.

Stirling City wish to thank locl printing firm Prontaprint for their continued support, the club recently took delivery of new player kit bags sponsored by Prontaprint.

CARSE THISTLE 1

NORTH BERWICK 0

A SECOND half goal from Ross Neilson was enough to secure victory for Carse in this East of Scotland cup match. North Berwick played passing football throughout the match, with Carse always looking dangerous on the break. The winning goal was created by Marshall whose shot was parried by the opposition keeper, the ball landed to Neilson eight yards out who slotted home. Jenkins, Stewart and Marshall all had chances on the breakaway for Carse as North Berwick pressed for the equaliser. However the home side sustained considerable pressure towards the end and had keeper Swan to thank for two vital saves.

Tartan Arms Man of the Match goes to Ross Neilson.

AUCHINLECK UNITED 2

AFC MILTON 2

MILTON took a depleted squad to play in this Amateur Cup third round draw in Ayrshire, and did well to get a draw against an unbeaten side who top their league.

Kyle Henderson opened the scoring on nine minutes with a spectacular right foot shot from 30 yards which the keeper could only watch as it rifled into the top corner.

The home side then upped their game and Milton's defence were under siege for long spells. Defensive errors two minutes either side of half-time saw Auchinleck take the lead, and they probably thought they were through. Then on 88 minutes a spectacular free-kick by David Reid curled into the corner from 25 yards to earn Milton a replay at Clark Street.

Results for November 1:

Scottish Cup third round: Dunipace Thistle 0, Glasgow Uni (Cal) 0; Riverside 1, Queens Park 5; Slammanan 2, Paisley 0; Stables 0, Valleyfield 3; Tullibody 2, Cambusnethan Talbot 2; Auchinleck 2, AFC Milton 2; Second Round: Stirling City 2, Bonnybridge 0; Stirling Boys Club 4, Maddiston 6.

East of Scotland Cup First Round: IPS 2008 1, Plean 3; Carse 1, North Berwick 0; Cowie 5, Danderhall 3; Mellville 1, Fallin 2.

Fixtures November 8: Scottish Cup Third Round Replays: Glasgow Uni v Dunipace, Cambusnethan Talbot v Tullibody, AFC Milton v Auchinleck; Third Round: Coupar Angus v Stirling City, Carse Thistle v Thorn.

East of Scotland Cup First Round: Steins Th v Torbrex Utd, Bluebell v Cambusbarron Rovers.

Premier: Carronshore v Plean, Redbrae v Condorrat Club, Slammanan v Fallin.

Division One:Dunblane v Kirkintilloch,California v Stirling Boys Club, Craigfoot v Forth Thistle.

Division Two: Cowie v Stenhousemuir, Bonnybridge v Stirling Uni, Riverside v Stirling Thistle.