Boss is almost student’s hero
in September but missed a penalty and a string of chances as it ended 0-0. This time they were clinical in the forward areas and followed up the 3-0 win at Albion Rovers a fortnight ago with another trio of goals.
Binos boss Kevin Rutkiewicz gave a debut to on-loan Rangers keeper Nicky Hogarth and the 18 year-old did well in his first SPFL appearance, with dad Myles, who won three promotions as a Stirling player between
STIRLING UNIVERSITY ................................ 0 THE SPARTANS ............................................. 0
University player/manager Chris Geddes almost snatched the winning goal after coming on as a sub against Spartans.
Making his first appearance for the club in more than a year, Geddes – the University’s all-time top scorer – hit the bar shortly after taking to the pitch in the second half on Saturday.
He came on in the 70th minute with the game drifting towards a no-score draw and nearly made it a dream move..
Geddes said: “The boys on the bench wanted me to come on and I thought I could help the team. Sadly I missed a chance, but that’s my first game for the team in about 14 months.
“From a personal perspective it was disappointing not to put the chance away, but I think the team was excellent today, so I think a draw was a fair result.”
Pleased with his side’s efforts in what was a hard fought game, Geddes added “The first half was one of our best performances this season. We kept them out well.
“There was chances for both teams, Spartans have a lot of firepower. They had a couple near the end where our goalkeeper had to make good saves. But, it was a pretty fair game with both teams playing a bit of football, so we’re happy with a point.”
With both sides only playing with one striker, the midfield was very congested in the first half and clear cut chances were hard to come by.
After 26 minutes, University winger Liam McMaster had an opportunity to put his side in front when the ball fell to him at the back post. However, he could not get his shot away and goalkeeper Blair Carswell collected the ball.
A few minutes later, Stirling captain Angus Mailer’s defensive header came off the post after a Spartans corner. He was thankful to see the ball cleared from danger after his vital interception.
On the stroke of half time, Jason Jarvis’s corner was met by Ben Quigley only two yards from goal but the defender couldn’t keep his effort down.
Early in the second half, McMaster hit a shot from the edge of the box, which looped over the defence – but the crossbar denied him what would have been a spectacular goal.
With 20 minutes left, Geddes took matters into his own hands and substituted himself on for Kieran Hall. Almost immediately, he won the ball in a dangerous area and drove at the Spartans back three. He played the ball to fellow substitute Calum Heath, who squared the ball back to his manager.
The boss’ shot looked headed for the top corner, but – despite the crowd willing the ball home – the crossbar denied him.
At the other end, Jack Smith looked to have put Spartans in front with only 10 minutes to play when he slotted his shot past Ben Fry but Alex Webb was well placed and managed a crucial touch to put the ball past the post and out of play.
After 85 minutes, Stirling goalkeeper Ben Fry was called into action to earn his team a point. He was at full stretch to deny Gregor Woods’ shot from 25 yards out. Into stoppage time, Spartans substitute Cameron Dawson’s close range header was on target, but Fry somehow tipped it over the bar.