Stirling University’s Hockey Firsts made it two wins from two in the BUCS league as they swept aside Heriot-Watt at Gannochy, running out 4-1 winners.
Heriot’s long aerial passes down the left-hand side in the first quarter caused Stirling problems. That said, Stirling had a lot of control and possession playing it out from the back comfortably.
Heriot-Watt threaten victory
The first real moment of action came in the 12th minute of the first quarter as Stirling were awarded their first short corner of the match. This was successful as Stirling’s number 21’s low shot at the goal opened the scoring for the hosts.
After Stirling scored, the match went a bit frantic and both teams went end-to-end.
Stirling were awarded another short corner at the end of the first quarter, with captain Luc Hermsen finding his shot saved. Stirling started to mount more pressure on Heriot-Watt as the first quarter came to a close.
Heriot-Watt started the second quarter better, forcing Stirling into their defensive shape. During minutes six to eight, Heriot-Watt had two short corners saved. At this point, Stirling were starting to lose some control of the match, although they still kept the lead.
Heriot-Watt’s number 9 caused many problems; his pace and skill kept the Stirling defenders occupied.
However, Stirling doubled their advantage in the 12th minute of the quarter. The goal was scored by Stirling’s number 23, Robbie Forrest, after a scrap in the D.
Stirling could’ve had another goal as a great aerial ball from Luc Hermsen found Robbie Forrest at the back post, however his shot was saved.
Throughout the match Luc Hermsen’s aerial balls caused Heriot a lot of problems.
Stirling went in at the end of the second quarter two goals up, it wasn’t as comfortable as the first quarter, although a two goal lead is priceless.
A comfortable win from Stirling
Two minutes into the third quarter Heriot-Watt’s number 9 forced a good save out of the Stirling keeper, with the ball coming back out but was saved again.
Stirling started the third quarter with control of the match which then turned into a series of short corners as Stirling knocked on the door of a third goal. Stirling were then awarded a penalty flick which was saved by the Heriot keeper nine minutes into the third quarter.
The fightback from Heriot-Watt was limited as Luc Hermsen dealt with number 9’s danger very well. Stirling finished the third quarter with complete control.
Not long into the fourth quarter Heriot-Watt got a goal back. A great individual goal, an aerial came in which was superbly met by the Heriot attacker, dinking it over the Stirling keeper and into the goal.
The celebrations and potential comeback was short lived however as Stirling replied with a third goal almost instantly. Stirling’s number 18 Luke Bannerman tapped in at the back post after a great ball.
Not long later Stirling added a fourth goal. A mistake from a Heriot-Watt defender led to Stirling winning the ball high up the park before the ball was squared across goal and was saved before the rebound was put in, making it 4-1.
Stirling had a chance to make it 5-1 as a great ball from Luc Hermsen played it right through the heart of Heriot-Watt, although Stirling’s shot was saved.
The match came to a close as Stirling ran out comfortable winners over Heriot-Watt, controlling large parts of the match. Stirling will play the University of Glasgow 1s at home on 30 October.
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