Stenhousemuir vs Dumbarton

Match Report

THE WARRIORS ARE IN THE PLAY-OFFS!

Euphoria. Determination. Strength. Three words that perfectly sum up not only the Warrior’s season, but their magnificent triumph on Saturday. Gary pulled out all the stops to ensure the Warriors would gain a play-off place, bringing Alston and O’Reilly back into the starting lineup.

Aitken’s goal early on sparked a true sense of belief within Ochilview that the Warriors could clinch their play-off place. Dumbarton however didn’t roll over for the Warriors and Sheils’ effort brought the visitors level, but it was golden boot winner, Alston, who secured a triumph for the Warriors.

The Warriors sealed the deal to earn a shot at promotion to the Championship for the first time.

The staduim oozed excitement as the Warriors took centre stage to battle it out to gain a play-off place. The fans’ excitement was reciprocated by the players in the eighth minute as Matty Aitken poked the ball over the line- off the back of a goal line clearance. This was a goal that settled any nerves and firmly asserted Stenhousemuir in the driving seat. 1-0

The Warriors went into half time with a taste for the play-offs and this only intensified by full-time, though Dumbarton thought they were about to halt a Stenny party.

Dumbarton equalised just five minutes after half time with a bit of a calamity at the back off the back of a corner. It was Sheils who poked the ball over the line, deflating the hopes of Warriors. 1-1

Hopes weren’t down for long as golden boot winner, Blair Alston, cropped up with a thunderous effort to fire the Warriors into the play-offs. Aitken’s clever shot was parried back out by the goalie and Alston was on hand to rocket his effort beyond the outstretched hand of the keeper. 2-1.

Nerves became a bit taut as the Warriors were reduced to 10 men for the final five minutes after Bilham saw red for violent conduct, whilst the Dumbarton player was only booked- though the red card- had little bearing on the Warriors’ ultimate success.

This was a day to remember for Warriors fans young and old, and a day that will live on in the history of the club; a day enshrined with determination to succeed, euphoria for all associated with the club and the strength to carry on. The excitement continues as Tuesday night is a chance to go one step closer to the Championship. Please make sure you join us and remember to stay up to date via all our social media channels.

Match Report by Louise Davidson 

Photographs by Thomas Gorman and Kristopher Dowell 

As the curtain falls for the final game of the league season, the Warriors are aiming to add to the drama as we seek to clinch a play-off place on the final day.

With only one point separating fourth and fifth, the Warriors have a keen eye on grabbing that all important place for the chance to play Championship football next season. Though results haven’t gone our way in recent weeks, the Warriors know what performance is required to bag a play-off place.

Last time against this opposition a Corey O’Donnell hat trick wrapped up three points and the young striker will be determined to produce the same level of performance in order to dominate over Dumbarton.

This is a fixture which has never been shy of goals- with over 100 scored, so should prove to be a cracker of a game to end the season. O’Donnell isn’t our only goal scoring threat in this fixture; Matty Yates and Aitken have been known to relish a goal our two against Dumbarton.

What stands in the way of Warriors euphoria?

The opposition for the weekend is Dumbarton- who have been confirmed as the automatically relegated team- though in recent weeks they have seen a resurgence in their form. The Sons most notable result this season was a 6-0 thrashing over Kelty Hearts followed by a confident performance against Annan Athletic.

Despite a difficult season for Dumbarton, Ruth and Pignatiello quickly asserted themselves as top scorers for the club and in recent weeks have both shown a sharp eye for goal. This will be a threat the Warriors will be eager to mitigate as we look to close out our season on a high.

The only other team standing in the way of the Warriors is Alloa Athletic, who are currently grasping onto that sole point to prevent the Warriors gaining a play-off place. A draw or loss in the Alloa game would give the Warriors a leg up, so long as they can brush past Dumbarton.

Warriors, all season your support has been pivotal and as we sound the final call on our league campaign, we need as many of you as possible to join us to make Ochilview bounce! Tickets can be purchased ahead of the game on our website or pay at the gate is available. Remember to stay up to date via all our social media channels.

Kick off: 3pm 3rd May

Location: Ochilview Park

Match Preview by Louise Davidson