Stenhousemuir vs Falkirk

Match Report

An eight-goal thriller marked a near decade long wait for the return of the Stirlingshire Cup.

Gary named a very changed starting 11 for our fixture against the Bairns on Tuesday night with vital minutes being given to players returning from injury.

The first half in our derby fixture did not disappoint with both teams finding the back of the net within the first 10 minutes. Falkirk did have their noses out in front at the break, though this didn’t affect the Warrior’s fighting spirit.

Falkirk opened the scoring in the 5th minute after Agyeman wriggled free in the box and fired his shot into the far corner of the net, giving the visitors an early lead. 0-1.

The Warriors did not take long to respond and a high corner from Cameron allowed O’Donnell to head the ball back across the face of goal, and on hand was Scott Tomlinson to slot his shot past the keeper. This goal marked the opening of Scott Tomlinson’s goal scoring account for Stenny.

The Bairns doubled their lead in the 15th minute after Honeyman’s shot trickled past Lyle after a deflection. 1-2.

Falkirk added a third that would surely see them seal three points when a great ball through found Agyeman again, whose pace allowed him to charge towards goal and slot in his second of the evening. 1-3.

We went into the break trailing, but moral was still high after a solid first half performance. The three points would ultimately slip away from us after a clinical Falkirk performance. We did apply pressure to the Bairns, though, by bagging ourselves a few more goals.

Youngster, Stewart added a fourth for Falkirk in the 64th minute after a decent cross in allowed Stewart to glance his header beyond Lyle. 1-4.

The Warriors did not give up hope and quickly found their scoring form again through Steele, who netted his first Stenny goal with a thumping header. 2-4.

Aitken quickly piled the pressure on the Bairns after pulling another goal back. O’Reilly’s cross bounced off an unaware O’Donnell and straight through to Aitken, who was ready to pounce and poke the ball in. 3-4.

Ultimately, Falkirk added their fifth of the evening in the 74th minute through a rocket of a half volley from Carmichael.

This was not the result the current Stirlingshire Cup holders would have wanted, but we must dust ourselves off for the weekend ahead as we return to league action against Cove Rangers. Please make sure you join us this weekend in Aberdeen to support Gary and the boys.

Match Report by Louise Davidson

Preview

Warriors, a third derby day of the season is on the horizon as we aim for another victory over rivals Falkirk.

The Stirlingshire Cup returns to Ochilview Park tomorrow night where current holders the Warriors battle with Falkirk in a bid to advance to the finals. As defending champions, we are aiming to hold our title, but another steady performance is required to see off tough competition.

September was the last time we faced rivals Falkirk and Ochilview was bouncing as the Warriors went on to defeat the Bairns 6-5 on penalties, in the Challenge Cup. Blair Alston’s goal separated the sides before in form Miller equalised for Falkirk.

We are hoping for a similar tangible atmosphere and performance. Bucky will once again be hoping to get one over on his former side and have his hands on the Stirlingshire Cup for the first time in his career. Falkirk, however, will be aiming to get themselves on the path to grabbing a 33rd title in this competition.

The Warriors are raring to go for the return of the Stirlingshire Cup in over a decade. Please make sure you join us at Ochilview Park tomorrow night to support Gary and the boys.

Kick off: 7:45pm on 19th November

Location: Ochilview Park

Match Preview by Louise Davidson