Students slump in extra time

Nov 14 2008 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Friday

STIRLING UNIVERSITY 1

GRETNA 2008 3

after extra time

THE University were part of a thrilling Image Printers Cup tie which saw them beaten by two goals in the last six minutes of extra time, writes CALUM FORBES.

Two young and energetic sides battled out a pulsating affair which entertained the 200 spectators.

A minute’s silence was observed prior to kick-off in memory of the former Gretna FC owner Brooks Mileson.

Neil Shave saw a goal-bound shot blocked after 15 minutes.

Gretna’s Daniel Rayson scared the home side with a rasping 25-yard strike which shaved Thomas McCulloch’s post but there were few other chances in the first half.

The second half provided more drama for the TV cameras which were there as part of a documentary on Gretna.

Despite Gretna having most possession for the first 60 minutes, it was the students who broke the deadlock. Neat build-up play involving Euan Black and Calum Forbes saw the latter break the Gretna offside line. His shot was saved but Lee Nichol was on hand to blast the rebound home from 10 yards.

Gretna looked unlikely to beat McCulloch in the Stirling goal but they did with 14 minutes remaining.

Richard Milne’s back pass slowed on the wet surface and Gretna’s Tony Nicholson charged down McCulloch’s attempted clearance.

The ball looped up and landed right at the feet of the striker, who tapped into the open net.

Stirling’s Jason Bolam, who was operating as the sole striker, was almost rewarded for his unselfish running but his bullet header was smartly saved by the keeper.

It finished at 1-1 after 90 minutes but Gretna edged the extra time period and deservedly won the game.

On 114 minutes Nicholson produced a stunning 12-yard header to sink Stirling hearts and Daniel Renyard’s 25-yard angled shot added an equally impressive goal with two minutes remaining

The large travelling Gretna support applauded both teams off the park.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Stirling take on Threave Rovers at home in the SFA South Regional Cup (1.30pm kick-off). Admission and programmes are free.

STIRLING UNIVERSITY: McCulloch, Atkins, N. Anderson, Milne (c), McKee, Black (Topp 66), G. Anderson, Nichol (Donnelly 119), Shave (McFayden 114), Forbes, Bolam.