Match Report

Match Report by Scott Gallacher

Stenhousemuir secured a 3-1 victory over Alloa Athletic on Wednesday night at the Indodrill Stadium in the first leg of the William Hill Championship Play-Off Final.

The Warriors got off to the perfect start as Ross Taylor opened the scoring before Matty Aitken doubled the lead from the penalty spot.

Mikey Anderson’s looping strike in the second half made it three, although Calum Waters pulled one back for Alloa with the final kick of the match.

Gary Naysmith made two changes from Saturday’s William Hill Championship Play-Off Semi-Final against Queen of the South as Ross Meechan and Leyton Grant came into the starting XI, replacing Archie Graham and Euan O’Reilly.

Alloa had the game’s first opportunity after just two minutes when Callum Burnside got an early shot away, but Darren Jamieson dealt with it comfortably.

Ross Taylor responded with a chance of his own moments later as his free-kick curled towards goal, but Liam McFarlane did well to push it away.

A quick counter-attack from the resulting clearance allowed Calum Adamson an opportunity at the other end, but he dragged his effort wide of the post.

On 15 minutes, Stenhousemuir took the lead through Ross Taylor. Clever hold-up play from Matty Aitken allowed the ball to fall kindly to the winger, who cut inside before curling a superb finish into the far corner.

Strong defending from the Warriors then denied Lewis Stewart after some neat footwork created space for a shot on goal.

Stenhousemuir doubled their advantage midway through the first half after a perfectly weighted through ball from Mikey Anderson split the Alloa defence and sent Ross Taylor through on goal. Liam McFarlane rushed out and brought the winger down inside the penalty area, leaving the referee with no hesitation in awarding a penalty.

Matty Aitken stepped up and confidently sent McFarlane the wrong way to make it 2-0 inside 30 minutes.

Alloa looked for a response before the interval as Charlie Dewar and Callum Burnside both had efforts on goal within the space of a minute, but neither could find the target.

Half-Time: Alloa Athletic 0-2 Stenhousemuir

Kelsey Ewen, making his first start since January, produced an impressive display and made an important block early in the second half to deny Alloa their first shot on target of the evening.

The Warriors added a third goal on 69 minutes through a moment of brilliance from Mikey Anderson as Alloa failed to clear their lines, and the midfielder reacted quickest before brilliantly looping the ball over Liam McFarlane from around 20 yards out.

Alloa’s first effort on target arrived in the 85th minute when Calum Adamson struck from distance, forcing Darren Jamieson to get down low and gather well.

With the final kick of the game, Calum Waters pulled a goal back for the hosts as he converted from close range in the 95th minute.

The late goal means Stenhousemuir will take a two-goal advantage into Saturday evening’s second leg at Ochilview Park, putting the Warriors in a strong position ahead of the decisive encounter.

Full-Time: Alloa Athletic 1-3 Stenhousemuir

Match Preview

Match Preview by Scott Gallacher

Stenhousemuir begin their William Hill Championship Play-Off Final campaign on Wednesday evening as they make the short trip to face Alloa Athletic at the Indodrill Stadium, with kick-off at 7:45pm.

The Warriors booked their place in the final after an unforgettable two-legged semi-final victory over Queen of the South.

The first leg at Palmerston Park ended 1-1, as skipper Gregor Buchanan’s volley was cancelled out by Reece Lyon in injury time.

However, another another dramatic draw followed in the return leg at Ochilview Park on Saturday afternoon.

Matty Aitken fired Stenhousemuir ahead early on before Nicky Clark equalised for the visitors, with the sides remaining level after 90 minutes to force extra time.

Olly Whyte restored the Warriors advantage in extra time, only for Clark to strike again and send the tie to penalties.

Gregor Buchanan, Dale Carrick, Mikey Anderson and Olly Whyte all converted from the spot for Stenny, while Darren Jamieson produced a huge save to deny Nicky Clark, helping the Warriors secure a 4-2 penalty shootout victory and passage into the William Hill Championship Play-Off Final.

Alloa Athletic also arrive into the final in strong form after overcoming William Hill Championship side Airdrieonians over two legs.

Scott Taggart’s penalty proved enough to give the Wasps a 1-0 victory in the first leg at the Indodrill Stadium.

In the return fixture, Owen Foster opened the scoring for Alloa before Robbie Mahon equalised for Airdrieonians in the second half.

However, Calum Adamson struck late on to secure a 2-1 win on the night and a 3-1 aggregate victory for Andy Graham’s side.

Wednesday evening’s encounter sets up a huge local derby between two sides aiming to secure promotion to the William Hill Championship.

The last time the two sides met came in the Warriors’ final home match of the William Hill League One season just under a month ago, with Dale Carrick coming off the bench to score the only goal of the game and secure all three points for Stenhousemuir.

The Warriors will now look to take a positive result back to Ochilview Park ahead of the second leg on Saturday afternoon.