Nichol strikes for students

Nov 21 2008 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Friday

Heriot Watt University 3

Stirling University 4

A LATE goal from Lee Nichol ensured Stirling University remain top of the inter-university Queens Park Shield.

In an action-packed game at Riccarton, Stirling twice threw away leads, but they showed character to snatch all three points at the death, writes Calum Forbes.

The league leaders started the game well with Jason Bolam and Chris McKee threatening the Watt goal from close range.

The game was being played in the Heriot Watt half and it was no surprise when Stirling opened the scoring after 15 minutes.Creag Robertson – back in the side after a two week layoff – delivered an inch perfect cross for Ryan Topp and his clever header across goal looped over the keeper into the net.

The goal settled the Stirling players and Topp almost added a second within five minutes of the opener.

But just as Michael Jolley’s side began to settle, they switched off from a corner, allowing a Heriot Watt player to finish from inside the six yard box.

Stirling could count themselves lucky to be given the opportunity to extend their lead five minutes before the break.

Excellent work from Topp down the left channel saw him clipped inside the area, and despite protests from the Heriot Watt players, the referee pointed to the spot. Calum Forbes sent the keeper the wrong way to give his side the lead.

The Stirling players emerged from the dressing room after half time knowing the next goal would be crucial.

And they got that goal on 55 minutes when Nichol fed Bolam and the striker’s left foot finish deceived the keeper and flew in at the near post to make it 3-1.

The goal should have killed the game but for the second time in the match Stirling gave their opponents a lifeline.

Deflected

On 65 minutes Stirling keeper Thomas McCulloch was on the end of some bad luck when he deflected into his own net.

Ten minutes later the scores were level when a long range shot crept past McCulloch to make it 3-3.

It was a real kick in the teeth for Stirling, but despite losing their grip on the game, they never gave up..

Substitute Steve McFayden almost gave his side the win with a fizzing drive but he was to have a part in the winning goal five minutes from the end.

McFayden had the vision to pick out Nichol inside the area. Nichol then produced a sublime piece of skill to beat his man before drilling home from 10 yards to make it 4-3.

The second half was, in truth, a poor performance from Stirling but importantly they got the three points which keeps them above Edinburgh in the league.

Michael Jolley’s side now have two crucial matches as they travel to Glasgow next week followed by a home match against Edinburgh at home on December 3.

Stirling University: McCulloch, McCullagh, N Anderson, Milne, Robertson, Forbes, G Anderson (Donnelly 84), Nichol, McKee (Black 80), Topp (McFayden 71), Bolam.