Stenhousemuir FC v Annan Athletic

Match Report

MATCH REPORT

Stenhousemuir v Annan Athletic at Ochilview Park, Stenhousemuir on 14.04.18

SPFL Ladbrokes League Two             Att 378

Stenhousemuir 3 [Paton 25, 52pen, Ferry 90] Annan Athletic 2 [Swinglehurst 9, Smith 61]

Stenhousemuir – Smith, Meechan, M.Dunlop, R.Dunlop, Donaldson, Ferry, Ferns [Marsh 90][b90], Paton, McMenamin [Longworth 80], Dallas and Cook [Murray 80]. Subs not used – Scott, Halleran and McMinn.

Annan Athletic – Mitchell, Brannan [b83], Home, Henry, Sonkur, Swinglehurst, Moxon [O’Keefe 55], Sinnamon, Smith, Henderson [Armour 70] and Roberts [Salkeld 80]. Subs not used – Atkinson, Hooper, Hannay and Creaney.

Referee – David Lowe            Assistants – David Doig and Ross Birrell

Late goals have been the deciding factor in the meetings between Stenhousemuir and Annan of late and this gave proved to be no exception. With Nicky Paterson missing through injury Alan Cook who had impressed in the Edinburgh City game came into the starting eleven. Cook had the first effort of the game after four minutes when he fired a Dallas cross wide.

In the early stages of the game the Warriors used both wings but Annan sent a warning shot or two when Chris Smith was forced into a double save the latter with his legs to deny Blair Henderson in the 13^th minute. The visitors though did not have long to wait though for their first goal as Steven Swinglehurst headed home a Ryan Sinnamon corner under little pressure at the back post.

Stenhousemuir response was another attempt by Cook who rose well to head an Eddie Ferns cross goalwards but he was denied by an excellent save by Alex Mitchell.

The Warriors equalised in the 25^th minute through Harry Paton who pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the ‘D’ and with a spin and shot stuck the ball into the corner of the net. Cook then dispossessed Owen Moxon before firing just wide and then picked out an intelligent run by Colin McMenamin who headed just over. Stenhousemuir were creating some good chances in the latter stages of the first half but the best one created by superb footwork by Paton ended with the Canadian shooting just wide of the target from 10 yards out.

Annan were not out of the game though and the partnership of Henderson and Aidan Smith always had the likelihood of causing problems for the Stenhousemuir rear-guard. This proved to be the case when a Smith shot struck the base of the post and there were relieved faces when the flag was raised after the rebound was tucked home. Two minutes later Stenhousemuir took the lead for the first time when Harry Paton scored from the penalty mark. Andy Dallas having been bundled to the ground after more trickery from Paton had created an opening.

Alex Mitchell then saved at the feet of Dallas following a surging run by Ross Dunlop and this was followed by a Dallas effort wide. Annan came back though and Mark Ferry denied Sinnamon with a top class block on the hour. A minute later though the visitors got their reward when the home defence was carved open and Smith duly netted.

Scott Roberts headed wide before Smith struck the crossbar in the 71^st minute with his namesake Chris Smith beaten. With time running out Mark Ferry popped up at the back post to head a cross home for the winner from a Ruaridh Donaldson cross to send the home fans and players into jubilant celebrations as it kept the play –off hopes alive.

The Warriors have played better in the past and lost but in an open and entertaining game they will take heart from the spirit shown to get the victory.