Keith Murray’s first competitive goal for Spartans since his cross-Capital move from Leith Athletic earned Dougie Samuel’s side a draw in the opening Lowland League encounter at a soggy Forthbank Stadium.

In a frustrating first half for the visitors, who had the lion’s share of possession throughout, Brown was the tormentor of the Students, making telling runs into the Stirling danger zone.

It was his break in the 19th minute that saw Nixon & Cuff earn cautions and offer Spartans their first chance of the game, only for a fine save by Marshall to deny Mackinnon from the resultant free-kick.

The Students almost found themselves in the lead on the stroke of half-time with the fingertips of Carswell denying the dangerous McCafferty from long range.

Half Time: University of Stirling 0-0 Spartans

The Edinburgh side started the second as they finished the opening period, on the attack, however, it was former Spartan Paul Sludden who latched on to a misplaced header by Thomson to put the Shelley Kerr’s side ahead against the run of play.

David Greenhill was close to opening his Spartans account with a downward header that was well saved by Marshall.

With a quarter of an hour left on the clock, Murray latched on to a Jamie Dishington up and under before thumping his shot low past Marshall into the bottom corner of the net.

That set up a frantic finale with both sides looking to secure a late winner.

Man of the Match Stevenson made a telling run before whipping in an inviting cross towards Murrell but Cuff done just about enough to put the youngster off at the vital moment.

Former Ainslie Park man Jack Nixon came closest deep into injury time, his diving header from a corner kick going wide as Stirling attempted a snatch and grab at the death.

FT: University of Stirling 1-1 Spartans

Spartans XI: Carswell, Thomson, Malone, Stevenson, Mackinnon (Dishington 55), Greenhill, Horribine (Murrell 67), Ward, Murray, Herd, Brown.  Subs Not Used: Carmichael, Blaikie.

Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Craig Stevenson