Match Report

Match Report by Scott Gallacher

 

Stenhousemuir ran out 3-0 winners against Hamilton Academical at Ochilview Park in the William Hill League One.

Kane Ritchie-Hosler opened the scoring 26 minutes in, netting his first for the club, before the winger turned provider, assisting Ross Taylor for the Warriors’ second.

Gregor Buchanan popped up in the 54th minute, rising highest to thump his header into the net to secure all three points on the afternoon.

The result means that Stenhousemuir find themselves top of the league, while also confirming their place in the William Hill Championship Play-Offs for the second year running.

Gary Naysmith made three changes from last week’s draw against East Fife, with Kinlay Bilham, Leyton Grant and Kane Ritchie-Hosler coming into the starting XI in place of Ollie Simpson, Euan O’Reilly and Olly Whyte.

The first 20 minutes of the match saw end-to-end action, with the first shot coming from Oli Shaw, who could only see Darren Jamieson deny his effort.

On the counter-attack, Ross Taylor received the ball and shot towards goal, but his effort drifted wide of the near post.

Oli Shaw had another attempt towards the Stenny net, but Darren Jamieson was on hand once again to deny the striker.

Ross Taylor had yet another chance in front of goal, but his effort went well over the target.

Mikey Anderson looked to recreate his goal from last week as he unleashed a thundering strike goalward, but it was held well by Josh Lane.

Darren Jamieson was kept on his toes, however, as another Accies chance was smothered by the gloveman.

Scott McGill looked as if he was about to grab the opening goal of the game as a curled effort looked destined for the top left corner, but it went just wide.

Josh Lane managed to get a finger to another Mikey Anderson shot as it looked as though it might creep over the line.

The opening goal would eventually come in the 26th minute as Kane Ritchie-Hosler was found inside the box by Ross Taylor, with the winger slotting home his first goal for the club.

A quick second followed for the Warriors as Kane Ritchie-Hosler turned provider, sliding the ball into the box for Ross Taylor, who rounded Josh Lane to net Stenhousemuir’s second of the day with 30 minutes played.

Looking to get his second, Ross Taylor struck from a free-kick, but it landed comfortably in the palms of Josh Lane.

Half-Time: Stenhousemuir 2-0 Hamilton Academical

Oli Shaw was determined to get on the scoresheet as once again he popped up inside the Stenny box, but fired wide of the post from point-blank range.

The third of the afternoon came from captain Gregor Buchanan as he rose highest to meet Kinlay Bilham’s inswinging corner, powering it into the net in the 54th minute.

A double was denied for Kane Ritchie-Hosler as his quick jinking run allowed him to get a shot away, only to see it crash off the Accies crossbar.

Kyle MacDonald had the final chance of the game to pull one back for Accies, but it wasn’t to be for the visitors as his shot sailed well over the bar.

The three points on the afternoon went Stenhousemuir’s way, confirming their place in the William Hill Championship Play-Offs for the second consecutive season, while also sending the Warriors to the top of the league.

It now sets up a massive game next week against Inverness Caledonian Thistle, with both sides set to go toe-to-toe in a potentially season-defining clash.

Full-Time: Stenhousemuir 3-0 Hamilton Academical

 

Match Preview

Match Preview by Scott Gallacher

 

The Warriors return to Ochilview Park tomorrow as they take on Hamilton Academical in William Hill League One action, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.

Stenhousemuir come into the match off the back of a dramatic 2-2 draw against East Fife at MGM Timber Bayview Stadium last weekend.

Gary Naysmith’s side made the perfect start, with captain Gregor Buchanan opening the scoring in the first half, before Mikey Anderson doubled the advantage just two minutes after the restart.

However, a quickfire double from Andy Munro and Nathan Austin saw East Fife claw their way back into the contest, as the points were ultimately shared on the afternoon.

Despite the frustration, the Warriors remain in second place in the William Hill League One table and require just one point to mathematically secure a place in the William Hill Championship Play-Offs for the second consecutive season.

With Inverness Caledonian Thistle in action in the KDM Challenge Cup Final this weekend, Stenhousemuir also have the opportunity to move to the top of the league, albeit with Inverness holding a game in hand.

Hamilton Academical make the trip to Ochilview following a 2-1 defeat to Kelty Hearts last time out.

Arran Pettifer handed Kelty the lead before Oliver Shaw restored parity just before the interval.

However, the deadlock wouldn’t last long, as Ross Cunningham struck just a minute into the second half to secure all three points for the hosts.

That result leaves Hamilton sitting ninth in the table, occupying the William Hill League Two Play-Off position, sitting three points behind Cove Rangers in eighth, while also just three points above bottom side Kelty Hearts.

The last meeting between the sides came just a month ago at Broadwood Stadium, where Stenhousemuir claimed a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to a second-half strike from Olly Whyte.

With plenty on the line at both ends of the table, the Warriors will be looking to make home advantage count and take another important step towards securing their place in the play-offs, and potentially going top of the league.