Caledonian Braves vs University of Stirling

Caledonian Braves FC bounced back from last weekend’s 6-1 defeat to BSC Glasgow with a convincing 3-0 victory over University of Stirling in the Lowland League.

Neither team could grab a hold of the first half with both having their fair share of chances. Stirling Uni forced Braves keeper Alex Marshall into three great saves within five minutes and Ross McNeil and Ben Daily worked well of each other to create chances at the other end. 

The Braves came into the game more in the second half. A half time sub of John Guthrie for Daily gave more grit in the middle of the park and more passing and moving displays.

Braves came close after a Marc Kelly free kick struck the wall, rolled out to the left hand side where a great cross in from debutant Lewis Lovering almost met the head of Ross McNeil to score what would have been a sure goal.

On the 64th minute we finally had our opening goal. Great Pressure from Neil McLaughlin as he muscled his way to the ball. The creative forward hit a shot off balance at the edge of the box and watched it nestle into the right hand bottom corner past the Stirling Uni Keeper.

Just over 10 minutes later and McLaughlin grabbed his second. Blair Docherty found McNeil with a lovely long ball. The striker then played through the oncoming McLaughlin who slotted into the far side of the goal under the keeper.

The game was finished up with the last kick of the game. Substitute Grant Dickie did well to muscle of the defender, run in on goal but his shot was saved into the path of McNeil and the striker made no mistakes in firing the ball home from close range to end a good second half.

A great bounce back victory at home for the Braves. Up next high flying Bonnyrigg Rose away at New Dundas Park, Saturday 31st August 2019, 3pm KO.