Students off the pace in title race

Lowland League SPARTANS .................................... 4 STIRLING UNIVERSITY .................. 0

The University of Stirling were punished by a clinical Spartans side on Tuesday evening, as the Lowland League leaders ran out 4-0 winners.

Two goals inside the opening ten minutes left the Uni with an uphill battle, and two more quick-fire goals before half-time ensured that the three points would be going the way of the home side – leaving the students six points adrift of the leaders.

The Uni were reduced to ten men in the second half rounding off a miserable night for the students.

The home side opened the scoring through a corner. Whipped in with pace, defender Michael Allan nodded in from close range with five minutes on the clock.

Just two minutes later Spartans had their second. Star man Cameron Russell hit a powerful free-kick from 30 yards – his strike stinging Ben Fry’s gloves on its way in.

Despite the setback, the Uni did come back into the game. First Ciaran Mcaninch had a shot blocked from close range then Cameron Mckinlay’s effort was cleared from the line.

But sloppiness at the back again cost the Uni as Bradley Whyte scored the hosts’ third, and on the stroke of half-time, Blair Henderson tapped in the fourth following a swift counter-attack.

The result was put beyond doubt midway through the second half when Stirling defender Matty Burrows received a straight red for sliding in as the last man.

The second half was played out in second gear, with neither keeper troubled.

The defeat at Ainslie Park puts an end to the University’s 12-game unbeaten streak across all competitions.

Head coach Chris Geddes said: “The first seven minutes were really disappointing but credit to Spartans who punished us for real bad errors.

“I don’t think it was a 4-0 game on chances, but they took the chances that we gave them.

“Listen it’s tough – we felt like we could get something here – sadly we didn’t, and Spartans showed why they’re on such a good run, all credit to them.”

Next up is Gala Fairydean Rovers tomorrow at Forthbank. Kick-off is 3pm.

Spartans – Carswell, Herd, Allan, watson ,tapping, whyte, Dishington, Mcfarland, Henderson, Jones, Russell.

Stirling University – Fry, Burrows, Service, Lavery, Berry, Russell, Jarvis, Mcaninch, Maciver-redwood, Mckinley, Heal.