Single goal sees Stirling Uni draw level on points

Posted on Saturday, May 12th, 2012

A single goal was enough for Stirling University to win a nervy game in Stirling today to ensure the title race goes to the final day of the season next friday night.

Donal Henretty, Chris Anderson and Sean Wringe returned to the starting line up while midweek goal scorer Keith McLeod was unavailable for the game while Jordan Finnie and Jack Beesley dropped to the bench.

Omar Kader had the first shot at goal after just five minutes however it was easily saved. Stirling striker Sludden pulled a shot just wide as the Uni side started to control the flow of the game. It was no surprise when they opened the scoring in the 26th minute. A corner being headed home by Creag Robertson.

The goal seemed to kick some life into us and Danny O’Donnell shot wide, Robbie Manson hit the post from range and Chris Anderson headed over as we went looking for an equaliser before half time.

The second half was a nervy encounter with limited goal chances for either side. As the game went on an equaliser was looking less likely before Donal Henretty was shown his 2nd yellow card of the day in the 85 minute and we finished the game with 10 men. The red card means Donal will also miss the tough trip to Rosewell on Friday night.

The result means the University side pulled level on points with just a single goal difference keeping us on top. It means that to retain the East of Scotland Premier Division we need to match whatever result Stirling get in Innerleithen against Vale of Leithen as well as winning by at least the same margin as they do.

Malt & Hops Man of the Match: Robbie Manson for a hard working performance in midfield

Team: Flockhart, O’Donnell, Hoskins, Sivewright, MacKinnon, Malin (Beesley), Kader, Manson, Wringe (Finnie), Anderson, Henretty Unused: Donnelly, Hawkins, McTurk