LOWLAND LEAGUE CUP
BROXBURN ATHLETIC…4
UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING…2
The University of Stirling bowed out of the Lowland League Cup after a dramatic 4-2 defeat away to Broxburn Athletic, in a match where the final scoreline failed to reflect a committed and competitive performance from the visitors.
Stirling carried a 1-0 lead into the break after a disciplined and energetic first half, taking their chance through Liam Trotter and working tirelessly to keep Broxburn at bay.
However, the second half proved far more punishing as the home side increased the pressure and eventually turned the tie around.
The students almost doubled their advantage straight from the restart when a good early opening was dragged wide, but Broxburn soon began to assert themselves.
Broxburn drew level early in the half from a quick corner, with Greg Page heading down and finishing at the back post after Stirling failed to fully clear.
The momentum swung further eight minutes later when Robbie McGale drove into the box and fired home a powerful effort to give the hosts a 2-1 lead.
Stirling’s keeper was forced into action a lot in the second half, initially holding a cross before producing a fine save halfway into the second half to keep Stirling in the contest during a sustained spell of pressure.
Stirling refused to fold and made changes to freshen things up, with Burns, Jenkins and Tallen introduced from the bench.
Burns immediately provided an outlet, driving down the right and later forcing an effort just over, while Brown went close when his header bounced awkwardly over the bar.
The pressure finally told when a shot from Nathan Tallen took a deflection off Sam Gormley and found its way into the net to spark celebrations and make it 2-2, a deserved reward for Stirling’s persistence.
Just as extra time loomed, the tie slipped away in cruel fashion.
Broxburn regained the lead when a free kick from Greg Page on the edge of the box was delivered to the back post and converted.
With Stirling pushing forward, the home side struck again in stoppage time when Errol Douglas headed home from a corner to seal the result at 4-2.
Despite the disappointment, Stirling can take encouragement from a battling display, matching their higher league opponents for long periods and showing real resilience.
The manner of the late goals was frustrating, but the performance highlighted the effort, organisation and spirit within the squad, as they now turn their focus back to league action.
Head Coach Chris Geddes reflected: “It’s always disappointing to lose, but I thought we played well, especially in the first half. We created good opportunities and felt deserving of the lead at half time.”
“Broxburn were much better in the second half, but two of the four goals we conceded were really poor from us, and we need to do better in those moments.”
“That said, we will take the positives from the game and move on to the next one.”
Feature Image Credit: Twitter @StirlingUniFC
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