Stirling Albion came from two goals down to draw 2–2 with Spartans at Forthbank on the final day of the Scottish League Two season.
The visitors, who still had an outside chance of winning the title, looked in control early in the second half before a spirited Stirling fightback earned the home side a point.
The first chance of the match fell to the home side in the sixth minute as Dylan Wells had his close range effort saved by Blair Carswell.
Spartans’ Steven Lawless looked the most dangerous player in the opening exchanges as he looked to cut inside from the right and send crosses into the Stirling box. After some early Spartans control, Stirling managed to gain a foothold in the match, moving the ball forwards while playing some good football.
As we reached the midway point of the first-half, it became clear that it was a tight, competitive match with both sides battling hard to make the first breakthrough.
Spartans left winger Cameron Russell was a constant threat for the away side, carrying the ball forwards with pace and energy, while creating chances. He was proving to be a very tricky customer for Stirling to deal with.
Shortly before the break, it became clear that Spartans began to dominate and looked the likeliest to open the scoring, however Stirling still carried a threat on the counter attack, so Spartans had to be careful.
The sides went in at half-time level after a battling, energetic first-half at Forthbank. Spartans title hopes looked to be gone though as East Kilbride were 3-0 up against Clyde at half-time.
Stirling had two half-time substitutions, Callum Crane came on for Connor Campbell and Russell McLean for Dale Hilson. The Spartans made three substitutions. Paul Watson, Given Ndlovu and Adam Meek came on for Blair Carswell, Cameron Russell and Ayrton Sonkur.
Spartans broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, a beautiful curling effort from the right into the top left hand corner from striker Mark Stowe. On the balance of play, this was a deserved opener for the away side. Moments later Stowe had another chance as a chipped ball was played into his path, however he could not apply a sufficient finish, as the ball drifted wide.
Spartans continued their flying start to the second-half as they doubled their advantage through Steven Lawless in the 57th minute. The ball was cut back to the unmarked Lawless and he was able to easily slot the ball into the bottom right hand corner.
The goals began to flow in as Stirling pulled one back in the 61st minute. Adam Brown was able to apply a tidy finish into the top right corner of the net following a Stirling corner.
Stirling thought they drew level moments later as the ball trickled into the net through the hands of Adam Meek, however the goal did not stand as there was an offside in the build up.
Russell McLean got Stirling level on the 70th minute following a brilliant run and composed finish cutting in from the left. Stirling were a revitalised team following their early second-half struggles.
Stirling continued their onslaught, breaking fast on the Spartans defence. At this point the home side looked the strongest bet for grabbing a winner and taking all three points.
A big chance fell for Stirling on the 86th minute as MacKenzie Carse was played in behind, however his right footed shot was comfortably saved by Adam Meek.
A resilient effort from Stirling after going two down in the second-half earned themselves a point in the end at Forthbank. As for Spartans, their title rivals East Kilbride ran out 5-0 winners over Clyde, meaning they have finished 2nd and will compete in the League One promotion playoffs.
