Match Report

Match Report by Scott Gallacher

 

Stenhousemuir were held to a 2-2 draw by Montrose in William Hill League One action at Ochilview Park.

An Andrew Steeves own goal handed the Warriors a half-time lead, the Montrose captain diverting a dangerous corner into his own net.

The second half brought further drama as Callum Sandilands levelled for the visitors from 12 yards before Finlay Gray restored Stenhousemuir’s advantage with a composed finish. However, a late penalty allowed Sandilands to grab his second of the afternoon and ensure the points were shared.

Gary Naysmith made two changes to the starting XI from the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup clash with Falkirk, as Finlay Gray and Leyton Grant came into the side in place of Dale Carrick and Scott McGill.

Montrose fashioned the first opportunity of the afternoon when Taylor Sutherland’s effort drifted wide after he failed to connect cleanly.

Blair Lyons was next to threaten for the visitors, but his attempt sailed high and wide of the Stenhousemuir goal.

Despite the early pressure from the Gable Endies, it was Stenhousemuir who broke the deadlock on 15 minutes. A wicked delivery into the danger area caused problems, with Andrew Steeves turning the ball into his own net under pressure.

Montrose continued to probe for an equaliser with Taylor Sutherland testing Darren Jamieson with a low, driven effort, but the Stenhousemuir goalkeeper reacted well to parry clear.

At the other end, Kinlay Bilham delivered another dangerous corner that found Nicky Jamieson at the back post, but his header drifted just wide.

Moments later, the ball ricocheted around the Montrose penalty area with a second goal looking likely, only for the visitors to scramble clear.

Finlay Gray then embarked on a surging run down the left and appeared to be brought down inside the area by Terry Masson, but penalty appeals were waved away.

Leyton Grant was forced off shortly before the interval following a head knock and was replaced by Mikey Anderson.

Half-Time: Stenhousemuir 1-0 Montrose

The Warriors began the second half brightly, with Kinlay Bilham seeing an effort cleared off the line.

However, Montrose restored parity in the 52nd minute. The ball broke to Sandilands 12 yards from goal and he made no mistake, firing into the net.

Finlay Gray looked lively throughout and nearly responded immediately, firing over the bar, but he would soon make his mark.

Mikey Anderson’s initial volley was blocked before Euan O’Reilly slid an inviting ball into the box. A defensive lapse allowed Finlay Gray to pounce, and he calmly slotted into the side netting in the 56th minute.

With just under half an hour remaining, new signing Kane Ritchie-Hosler was introduced in place of Ross Meechan.

Harrison Sharp was called into action once more, producing a sharp reflex save to deny Stenhousemuir a third goal.

Montrose were awarded a late penalty when Gregor Buchanan was adjudged to have fouled Lyons inside the box.

Taylor Sutherland stepped up, but Darren Jamieson guessed correctly to make the save. Unfortunately, Callum Sandilands reacted quickest to convert the rebound and level the match.

Deep into stoppage time, the Warriors were inches away from snatching all three points.

Matty Aitken’s through ball found Olly Whyte inside the area, but Harrison Sharp stretched out a foot to deny the midfielder a dramatic winner, forcing the points to be shared.

 

Full-Time: Stenhousemuir 2-2 Montrose

 

Match Preview

Match Preview by Scott Gallacher

 

Stenhousemuir return to William Hill League One action this Saturday afternoon as Montrose make the trip to Ochilview Park on Valentine’s Day, with kick off at 3:00pm.

The Warriors come into the fixture following a hard-fought Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup exit to Falkirk in a fiercely contested local derby.

It took until extra-time for the tie to be decided, with a long-range strike from Brad Spencer and a goal from Barney Stewart sealing Falkirk’s progression to the Quarter-Finals, pushing the Premiership side all the way.

Attention now turns back to the league campaign, where Stenhousemuir remain firmly in the title picture.

The Warriors’ last league outing saw a dramatic 2-2 draw against Peterhead at Ochilview.

Peterhead took a first-half lead through Kieran Shanks before doubling their advantage shortly after the break via Andrew McCarthy’s header from a set-piece. However, the response was emphatic.

With five minutes remaining, Matty Aitken rose at the back post to head home and reduce the deficit. Moments later, Dale Carrick threw himself at a delivery into the box to power in a diving header and complete a remarkable two-minute turnaround.

The late comeback ensured the points were shared while also keeping the Warriors right in the mix at the top of the table.

As it stands, Stenhousemuir sit second in William Hill League One, three points behind Inverness Caledonian Thistle and two points ahead of Queen of the South in third.

Montrose arrive after drawing 1-1 with Peterhead at Links Park. The Mo opened the scoring through Taylor Sutherland from the penalty spot, but Kieran Shanks’ equaliser ensured the points were shared.

The last meeting between the sides ended in disappointment for the Warriors. A 3-0 defeat at Links Park, courtesy of goals from Graham Webster and a Callum Sandilands double, saw Montrose take all three points.

That afternoon remains fresh in the memory, and there will be a clear determination within the Stenhousemuir squad to put things right on home soil.