University’s welcome win

Nov 21 2008 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Friday

Stirling University 2

Threave Rovers 1

AFTER two “glorious failures” against Tynecastle and Gretna 2008, Stirling University rediscovered their winning touch on Saturday with a 2-1 win at home to Threave Rovers, writes Calum Forbes.

The result puts the students through to the semi-final of the SFA South Regional Cup, where they will face Edinburgh University.

Prior to kick-off, coach Michael Jolley had stressed to his players that a win was crucial, given the events of the previous two weeks. With this thought in mind, the Stirling players got to work on a fairly well organised Threave side.

Stirling’s Jason Bolam’s shot was unlucky to be smothered by the keeper from a tight angle on 15 minutes, but his side were to take the lead only five minutes later.

A foul on Bolam on the edge of the area allowed Lee Nichol to deliver a delightful in swinging free-kick and captain Richard Milne was on hand to spectacularly head home the teasing cross.

The relief was there for all to see, as this was a team who, despite all their good play, had only scored one goal in the previous 210 minutes of East of Scotland football.

Stirling continued to flood forward and this was to result in a second goal on 36 minutes. A clever turn in the box from striker Euan Black won Stirling a penalty and Calum Forbes stepped up to double his side’s advantage from the spot.

Michael Jolley’s half time team talk could have been different if keeper Thomas McCulloch did not produce a fabulous fingertip save to deny Threave five minutes before the interval.

If the first half was played at Stirling’s tempo, then the second half was most definitely played at Threave’s. And although the Dumfriesshire side had little chances, they worked hard to get back into the game.

Threave gave themselves a lifeline after an hour when a long ball found its way to the centre forward who found space to lob McCulloch.

Stirling then went close immediately after conceding when Black’s effort struck the post with the ball rebounding to safety.

Nick Anderson and Milne had to deal with countless balls into the box during the last 10 minutes and to their credit they dealt with everything that came their way.

McCulloch was forced into another great save from a free-kick after 80 minutes but other than that he was well marshalled by a disciplined Stirling back four as the students held on for a deserved win.

As well as seeing Stirling progress to the semi-finals, the match also witnessed the comeback of left-back Creag Robertson, who had picked up a groin injury during a week’s training with Falkirk FC.

On a less positive note, right-back Mark McCullagh picked up another booking which will rule him out of the league trip to Ormiston FC next week. The Ormiston game has added importance for Stirling after the news that they have been deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player on the opening day 11-0 win over Hawick.

Stirling University: McCulloch, McCullagh, N. Anderson, Milne, McKee, Forbes (Topp 86), G. Anderson, Nichol, Shave (Robertson 62), Black (McFayden 80), Bolam. Subs used: Donnelly, Atkins.