Stirling Albion 2010 Reds 0 vs 3 Lanarkshire United

Albion 0 Lanarkshire 3

Veo Link - https://app.veo.co/matches/20260829-match-stirling-albion-reds-2010-v416e978/?event=e75183e2-a3ce-11f1-af31-77368e4e75bc

Effectively a quarter final today as we played our 2nd game against Lanarkshire in the league cup with the winner making the semis. Always a tough occasion against a very good Lanarkshire side who move the ball extremely well in midfield with great rotations.

Ended up a frustrating day with the final score not being a reflection of the 90mins. We went behind in first 5mins to a penalty. As we tried to clear a bouncing ball the forward just got there first and the striker got up to tuck it away. On a warm day I worried for us after losing an early goal but the lads went on the front foot for the rest of the half. Emmanuel with 3 good openings - 2 created himself and 1 excellent save from the keeper. Daniel with a great hit that smashed the junction of crossbar and post, bouncing down just wrong side of line. Then just before halftime a real sore blow as the big striker finished well from outside the box. Halftime 2-0 down when we'd restricted a top side to few chances in the first half.

Having done a lot of things right in the 45 it was hard to criticise the lads. 2nd half began the same way with a few decent chances for us but again unable to find the finish. We shifted to 3 at back to chase the result which led to Lanarkshire getting a lot more good openings of their own and they definitely shaded the 2nd half as we tired. They got their third after a poor clearance from us and another clinical finish from outside the box. All things considered a great effort from the lads. With illness, injuries and suspension we were a few down today and some of the lads ran themselves into the ground across a hot 90mins. Goals change games and they just didn't fall for us today. All in all a great effort in an extremely tough section.

With a bit more clinical edge we could've have 10pts but that's high level football. Lanarkshire will be hard to stop in the semis with their quality in final third but we look forward to the league season starting with a load of optimism. A bit more clinical at times and we'll be in the hunt for silverware.

MOTM - again a good few in the running. Ross was composure personified at the back, Angus was terrific both directions at LB before tiring, Eman continues to give his opposing full back a tough time, and Kyle brought energy and dynamism to the team when he came on at 30mins.

However for the 2nd game in succession coaches MOTM goes to Daniel. Complete midfield performance, won duels, showed constantly for the ball and drove us forward all afternoon and should have had the equaliser with a great strike.