Stenhousemuir vs Dumbarton

Match Report

The Warriors re awaken as the dawn of the Stirlingshire Cup approaches.

After a well-earned break, the Warriors return to action this weekend as they compete in the world’s second oldest cup- The Stirlingshire Cup- a competition that is steeped in history and enshrined by the excitement it brings to Stirlingshire.

With just over a decade since the Warriors last hoisted the cup, Gary and his side will be keen to lift a 12th cup title for the club. Gary shared his thoughts with the club website ahead of the weekend:

“We are looking forward to getting back to playing matches this weekend in the Stirlingshire cup.

“The players returned to training last Saturday and so far have had 3 training sessions. We will have most of our own players available as well as 5/6 trialists.

“We will use both games to have a look at certain things we would like to see as well as continuing to build the player’s fitness levels.”

A rundown on the format for this year

This year the competition has taken on a round robin format, with the six teams competing being separated into two groups. Each game will last 60 minutes (two 30-minute halves) if a winner cannot be determined within the allotted time, penalties will decide a victor.

The team which concludes the afternoon in first place in their group will advance to the final, which will be hosted on Tuesday night at the Falkirk Stadium where it will be a 90 minute winner takes all match.

Group A consists of: Stenhousemuir, Dumbarton and Stirling Albion and Group B is made up of: Falkirk, Alloa Athletic and East Stirlingshire.

A closer inspection of the Warriors competition

The Warriors have faced Dumbarton multiple times over the course of the season and despite relegation, we are aware of the threat that The Sons possess in the final third. The last time we faced them in this cup was back in November when the Warriors ran out a rampant performance, slotting four past the visiting side.

One player who recently joined the Warriors’ ranks and former Dumbarton starlet, Finlay Gray, will be eager to showcase his quality in front of a home crowd. Finlay was an instrumental player for Dumbarton last season and therefore his previous employer will be keen to snuff out any opportunity the talented midfielder might receive in front of goal.

Another common feat the Warriors have taken on over the years is our afternoon opposition, Stirling Albion. The League Two outfit are no strangers to the Warriors having faced them 35 times over the course of all competitions.

Despite a great rivalry between the two sides, the Warriors have often struggled against the visitors, with Stirling having registered 19 victories against us. However, with the wind still very much in the Warriors’ sails after such a successful league campaign, a spectacle of an afternoon could be on the cards.

Although Stirling have accumulated impressive form against the Warriors, they struggled in the league this season, finishing in the bottom half of the table with a total of 48 points. For all this side donned an attacking threat, their defensive record will give the Warriors front men something to seize, having conceded 57 goals- the second worst record in the league.

Warriors, the anticipation of a cup and the atmosphere built upon by a crowd provides a feeling like no other, and you can be part of that on Saturday. The Warriors need you there in abundance with the unwavering support that travels with you every weekend . We hope to see as many of you as possible at Ochilview on Saturday. Remember to stay up to date via all our social media channels.

Match Preview by Louise Davidson