Caledonian Braves: 3
University of Stirling: 2
The five-goal thriller seen the Uni just miss out on taking home any points as they travelled to Bellshill to take on current third place holders, Caledonian Braves, on September 3.
The students started the game full of energy, constantly challenging the Braves’ defence as well as protecting their own goal from attacks.
The Braves got the scoring underway though, as a corner just before 20 minutes found the feet of Reg McLaren who poked it into the back of the net from close range.
Ross McNeil made it two for the home team seven minutes later, as he picked up on the rebound and fired it into the goal.
With more end-to-end play, the first half was in its closing stages, but the uni managed to pull one back thanks to Ben Heal. Who put it in the bottom right-hand corner. It was all to play for once again.
It only took five minutes into the second half for another goal to come, McNeil got his second of the evening for the Braves as he slipped in behind the Uni defence to receive the long ball before striking it with his left foot.
The Braves had their two-goal advantage back and some fresh feet came on for the uni. Paul McCafferty saw the end of his game, as Thomas Vonk took his place. Minutes later Abel Manomey replaced Liam Trotter.
The changes brought a new challenge for the Braves’ goalkeeper as Manomey had a go at goal five minutes into his game, but it was well saved.
The Braves missed out on their fourth as McLaren headered the ball low towards goal following a corner but goalkeeper: Adam Buttigieg, made an incredible save.
Heading into second half injury-time and the game looked finished, but Finn Moffett managed to secure another for the Uni with a brilliant strike.
It wasn’t meant to be however, as the full-time whistle went, the boys disappointed to get so close to the draw after a valiant effort.
Featured Image Credit: George Vekic.
