AN EXIT WITH DISTINCTION
Students come up short in top-flight test but Fry gives bold pals pass marks
The University of Stirling students may have failed their Scottish Cup exam at Tannadice.
But goalie Ben Fry hopes the massive underdogs still gained a degree of success – for showing they’re deadly serious about football.
The Lowland League outfit went toe to toe with Premiership Dundee United and looked likely to head in at half-time with level, much to the delight of their boisterous 1200-strong travelling support.
Instead, United netted seconds before the break through Aziz Behich and then scored two more in the second half thanks to Jamie McGrath and Glenn Middleton to end Stirling’s Scottish Cup dream.
Despite that, Fry – studying Sport and Exercise Science – insists he and his team-mates can hold their heads high after proving that student football isn’t all about partying and having a laugh.
He said: “For any team like us to get this far is an achievement in itself and every single player on the team did themselves proud out there.
“It was an opportunity to put ourselves on show and show university football isn’t just about guys who want to have a party and play a bit of football on the side. We have a serious set-up here.
“It’s a really good side to be a part of with opportunities like playing in the Scottish Cup. I wouldn’t have had it without the University of Stirling, so it’s brilliant.”
Fry is in the final year of his course and is looking to move after it, albeit the committed Christian prefers to leave his future up to his faith. Fry said: “I started off playing football at Coaching for Christ, a Christian charity back home, and I’ve played a few games in the Northern Irish Championship.
“I’ve come to Scotland to play university football and now I’m playing in the Scottish Cup. Next year I am looking to move on.
“I’m a firm believer that God will put me where he wants to put me. Church has been a massive part of my life, so I’ll stay within that and serve it.
“I’ll be there on Sunday morning and I’m at the
welcome table with my girlfriend.” Stirling made it tough for the Terrors for the vast majority of the first half and had an early chance in the third minute as James Stokes played in Jason Jarvis, only for his shot to be well saved by Mark Birighitti. The students were shouting for a penalty in the 18th minute as Stokes tumbled in the box under a challenge from Behich but referee Chris Graham saw no offence. Then, just before the break, a McGrath cross was headed on by Steven Fletcher to Behich who swivelled and fired high past Fry to give United the lead. McGrath made it two in the second half with a sublime overhead kick before sub Middleton put a gloss on the scoreline, dinking the ball over Fry. Behich, who will be at home to Kilmarnock in the last 16, said: “Credit to the boys, the mentality was right. We are happy to get through to the next round and we move on.”