Students too good for Gretna
Skipper Berry scores a double
A James Berry double from the penalty spot ensured the University of Stirling resumed progress in the Lowland League on Saturday as they got back to winning ways.
Head coach Chris Geddes was looking for a response against Gretna 2008, and the students provided that as they left Forthbank with three points, courtesy of the convincing 2-0 win.
One of two changes to the starting 11 from midweek saw James Russell come in next to
Berry in midfield, and the pair allowed Stirling to get to grips with the game in the opening exchanges.
Marcus Lavery came inches away from heading in an opener on 14 minutes before Jason Jarvis struck the crossbar ten minutes later.
But, as Stirling were awarded a first penalty of the afternoon on 26 minutes, up stepped the skipper to get the Uni off to the perfect start.
On the stroke of half-time, Berry doubled the lead as the captain converted again from the penalty spot.
A well-weighted long ball into the box from Lavery was chested down by Jarvis, who was bundled over, to set up a 12th goal of the season for the 23-year-old.
After winning a free-kick on the edge of the Gretna box on 83 minutes, Berry would’ve fancied himself to grab a second hat-trick this season, but his effort flew narrowly wide of the far post.
The visitors had scarce possession of the ball in the second half but held on to prevent further damage to the scoreline as Stirling got back to winning ways in the league.
The Uni travel to Peffermill tonight (Wednesday), as the students look to complete a much-desired league double over Edinburgh University.
University of Stirling – Fry, Lavery (Gilmour 45), Burrows, Service, Heal, Berry, Jarvis (Munro 62), Russell, Mcgill (Mirzasalimov 74), Maciver-redwood (Mcaninch 86), Stokes.
Gretna FC 2008 – Main, Short, Condie, Dickinson, Moyles, Turner, Bell, Muir, Carmichael, Caves, Munro.