Caledonian Braves vs East Stirlingshire

Despite playing with ten men for virtually the full game, the Caledonian Braves claimed all three points with a valiant performance at Alliance Park.

Within two minutes, the most controversial moment of the game would occur, when Greig Stewart was adjudged to pull his man down at the edge of the box. The contact was arguably minimal, but due to Greig's position as the potential last man, he was given his marching orders.

Greig Spence would step up to take the resulting free-kick, which absolutely smashed against the outside of the post.

Despite the man disadvantage, the Braves controlled spells of possession throughout the first half, and took the lead through a decisive counter-attack. Connor McLaren nodded down a looping cross into the path of his brother, Reg McLaren, who poked the ball beyond the 'keeper to mark his first start with a goal.

Bernie White would also play his part in the job, making a huge stop from a Spence volley from outside the box, which was destined for the top corner.

As the second half pressed on, the Braves ended up sitting deeper as the ten men battled to look after their narrow lead. Our visitors would have one huge opportunity in the 90th minute, when Spence picked up the ball in the Braves box. With both centre-backs and Bernie White in a tangle and the goal gaping, Spence smashed the ball goalward, but right-back Jack Brown was in the perfect place to clear off the line. 

Cheered on by a big crowd and huge following online, the ten men of the Braves truly battled to victory on the evening to maintain an undefeated start to the season.

We'll be back on Saturday, when we host Civil Service Strollers at Alliance Park.