East of Scotland Qualifying Cup
The university enjoyed a worthwhile trip to the seaside as the students coasted to victory in the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup on Saturday.
Conor Doan opened the scoring minutes into the game from the penalty spot before a James Stokes goal and a Callum Rae double had Stirling four up at the break.
The students capped off an impressive goal scoring performance when captain James Berry added a fifth, and Stokes took his second, and the uni’s sixth.
Stirling’s unremittent start to the season continued as the students swapped Lowland League football for cup action on Saturday.
Despite having little to show for positive performances in recent weeks, confidence was high and the ever-reliant Doan made no mistake with his penalty to give the university the perfect start.
Robbie McGale caused more problems for defences as the students exploited gaps down the right, the route to Stokes’goal that would double the lead.
St Andrews fought back though and forced Fry into making a number of excellent saves, but the visitors showed their edge in front of goal when Callum Rae bagged a brace before half time.
Chris Geddes’side were even more dominant in the second half and created chances as they pleased. But there would be no complaints with only grabbing another couple, as Berry and Stokes wrapped up a convincing win on the road.
Boss Geddes said:“It was good to get a win, the boys were really professional about the performance. I think St Andrews were struggling with missing some bodies, but our boys came and scored goals.
“It was comfortable, but fair play to St Andrews, they cut us open three times and one of Ben’s saves was outstanding, and second half he had a quieter one.
“I’m really happy, Cal Rae got a double but he had to work hard for them and James Stokes had about 10 chances but got two and Conor scored again, but it was good to get six. We’ve got some goals behind us which was good.”
More cup action awaits the students next Saturday as they face fellow Lowland League side Caledonian Braves in the Scottish Cup, and Geddes added:“It’s the biggest competition all of us will play in, whether it’s the first round or the final. We will definitely be up for it, and it will be a tough game but one we will try to get a result in.”
University of Stirling – Fry, McGale, Thompson, Taylor, Downie, Doan, Berry (Grooms 54), Stokes, Rae (McArthur 74), Burrows (Woloszyn 62), Burns