Final Score: Stirling 2-2 Aberdeen (6-7) P-Flicks
Venue: Stirling University Wednesday 5 February
Competition: BUCS League Match – Men’s Hockey 2s
First Quarter:
The match started with a good tempo, but Stirling struggled with ball control, which proved costly early on.
Players were receiving the ball but failing to move with it, leading to rushed plays and frequent turnovers.
Poor control when attempting to advance caused several errors, including missed passes and fumbled possessions.
At the end of the quarter, Aberdeen capitalised on a slip-up from Stirling, with a drag flick from Stan Shepard that put them up 1-0.
Stirling’s goalkeeper responded well however, making multiple crucial saves to keep the deficit from growing.
Second Quarter:
The quarter started with a warning to Stirling to watch the use of their elbows.
Stirling showed some improvement in control but continued to struggle with executing plays effectively.
Despite some strong attempts at goal, the opposition’s keeper made several impressive saves.
Stirling had fewer possessions but improved their efficiency, ensuring that they followed through on their plays.
The opposition took advantage of Stirling’s lapses in focus and ball control, further pressuring their defence.
Several shorts were taken but no further goals for the quarter.
Third Quarter:
Stirling recovered from their earlier issues and came out with renewed intensity, creating numerous opportunities and driving the game as a team.
A Short Corner for Stirling allowed them to recover lead to an equaliser from Ewan Mcartney making it 1-1.
Later due to the umpire miscommunicating who a free hit was for, Aberdeen went up 2-1 while Stirling was distracted. Scored by Logan Forsyth who tore past the defender and slotted it between the keepers legs.
As both sides tired, the match became increasingly back and forth, leading to rising emotions. Elbows were thrown, prompting another warning for both teams.
Fourth Quarter:
Stirling dominated the final quarter, persistently attempting to break through the opposition’s defence in search of another goal.
In a tactical move, Stirling subbed off their goalkeeper with three minutes remaining to bring on an extra attacking player.
Their efforts paid off when Mark Harley capitalised on a rebound off the keeper, securing a 2-2 equaliser in the last few minutes.
With Stirling then bringing the goalkeeper back to see out the remainder of the game.
Penalty Flicks:
With the match ending in a draw both teams faced off in a tense penalty flick shootout.
Alex Rea confidently struck first for Stirling, placing the ball in the bottom left corner.
Thomas Owen followed with a powerful shot into the top left.
Joe McCrae’s shot the side netting managing to slip past the keeper.
Zack Hayward-Rodgers saw his attempt denied as the keeper got a foot to it.
While Ewan McCartney’s flick appeared mistimed, but luck was on his side as the keeper dived early, allowing the ball to roll in.
From Aberdeen, Mac Fensom converted his attempt, followed by Logan Forsyth, whose shot deflected off the keeper’s glove and still found the net.
Gregor Steele and Nick Caceres added to their tally, with Caceres sending the keeper the wrong way.
Stan Shepard’s attempt was saved as he sent the ball straight down the middle, where the keeper was well-positioned to block it.
With the scores level, the penalties moved to sudden death.
Alex Rae stepped up again, coolly placing his shot into the top left corner, sending the keeper the wrong way.
Aberdeen answered with a flick that the keeper got a stick to but couldn’t prevent from going in.
Thomas Owen powered in another strike to the top left, but Aberdeen’s second shooter responded with a shot down the middle as the keeper dived away.
Zack Hayward-Rodgers attempted a similar approach, but his flick went over the top of the goal. Aberdeen capitalised on this miss, scoring the decisive flick to claim victory.
Speaking after the match, Man of the Match Oscar Hughes reflected on the team’s objectives:
“I think we played really well, left everything on the pitch. Everyone was absolutely exhausted by the end of it.”
“I think just more composure at the beginning. We got off to a bit of a sloppy start, but I think once we get playing, we always tend to do a little bit better.”
“We’ve got a league match coming up. We need to get goals up for this match to hopefully secure ourselves top place. So just going to be practising on finishing.”
Hughes was also asked about Aberdeen’s controversial goal, to which he responded: “No comment.”
When pressed further, he admitted: “There was a little bit of an issue with one of the calls that the umpires made during the match, which led to confusion and therefore a goal. These things happen in matches. It was unfortunate to happen to us, that’s all.”
Stirling fought hard throughout the match, overcoming early difficulties to push their rivals to the brink.
However, they ultimately fell short in the penalty shootout, with Aberdeen securing the win and knocking Stirling out of cup contention.
Feature Image Credit: Dylan Burt
Current Gaming & Tech Editor
Instagram: @dylan.byline
Email: dylanburt2005@gmail.com
