Braves Edged Out by University of Stirling

Stirling got off to the stronger start in the opening exchanges and three minutes into the game, a free kick on the edge of the box was well saved by Braves number one, Bernie White.

Stirling broke the deadlock just four minutes later, when a cross from Maciver-Redwood was neatly put away by Cammy McKinley from close range.

The Braves, with their backs against the wall, needed to respond. 

Their first good opportunity came from a header from Daniel Martins that went narrowly wide of the post.

Despite the increased pressure, the Braves still struggled to find the back of the net. Cammy Breadner’s header was well saved by the Stirling keeper, Gromov Godik.

Despite this positive play from the Braves, Stirling went into the break leading 1-0.

Much like the first half, Stirling once again started the better of the two sides and could have quickly doubled their lead. But the Braves keeper, White, once again made a key save, to keep the game alive. Then, on the 63rd minute, a header in the six-yard box was brilliantly saved by White once more. 

Manager Ricky Waddell, seeing his team under immense pressure, made changes with 23 minutes to go. Chris Inglis and Blair Hall replaced Jacob Long and Daniel Martins.

The Braves continued to struggle, and White was called into action yet again. A shot by McKinley was saved from close range.

The Braves would get one final chance to get back into the match. Jack Brown’s free kick on the edge of the box was hit just over the bar.

Stirling, who had been the more aggressive side throughout out the piece, saw the match out and walked away with a 1-0 win.

The Braves now travel back to Alliance Park to host St Cuthbert Wanderers in the South Challenge Cup next Saturday. With League action on a break, this is the perfect opportunity for the Braves to get back on track.

A tough knock, but with our young squad gelling, your Braves will bounce back!