Stirling City get home win against Spartans Reds

Nov 4 2009 by Jean Pedder, Stirling Observer Wednesday

STIRLING CITY 2

SPARTANS REDS 1

STIRLING were hosts to Edinburgh side, Spartans Reds in the third round of the Scottish Cup.

Spartans were quick to establish themselves with City being held within their own half, but for a few breaks up the flanks.

The visitors gave City no time on the ball, closing them down quickly.

On 20 minutes the visitors got the opener. Dormer managed to save the first shot with his legs but the rebound was slotted home by the advancing attacker.

The home side rallied and found themselves with a bit more possession and confidence grew. Spartans were always a danger and City were not given a moment to relax with MacArthur, MacDonald, McPherson and McClymont under consistent pressure as the Reds onslaught continued.

The City midfield of Traynor, McMahon, Anderson and Neumann were almost missing from the game as Spartans flooded through in numbers, although when City had control they were a strong influence.

Neumann and McMahon swapped sides offering diversity with Anderson and Traynor feeding the City forwards through the channels.

McGowan and Skinner up front were having to drop deeper to receive the ball and McGowan was unlucky to be called offside a number of times as he broke round the Reds defence.

With controlled passing and slow build up work, City had more of the ball in the second half, A quick clearance from Dormer caught out Spartan, McGowan chased down the long kick, read the bounce and with a nifty lob left the keeper with no chance to bring City level.

The match was beginning to look a little more even at this stage with City finding an extra yard to win the ball, although Spartans were always dangerous on the break, City were equal to the challenge.

A break out from defence saw MacDonald advancing through the field, but was brought down by the Reds keeper and a penalty awarded. Mitchell stepped up to the mark and smashed the ball past the outstretched keeper.

For the remaining 15 minutes City were all but camped in their defensive third as the visitors looked to equalise.

City managed to keep them out with Dormer making two remarkable saves, two inspirational moments which gave City the edge and take them into the next round.

A special thanks to Laura and Sue for the hospitality. “Ewen Cooper Cars” Man of the Match was awarded to Colin Dormer.