Dalbeattie Star v East Stirlingshire

Report

Dalbeattie Star v East Stirlingshire 25/08/18 – Reporter: Ewan Malcolm

East Stirlingshire scored twice in the final 15 minutes to secure a hard fought 2-2 draw against Dalbeattie Star on Saturday.

Shire were looking for a confidence boosting win after tasting defeat for the first time in 22 Lowland League matches while 13^th placed Star were hoping to put similar difficulties behind them after losing 1-0 to Civil Service Strollers.

John Sludden almost got the fast start he was looking for after Paul McCafferty found an unmarked Liam Allison in the penalty area before seeing his shot well saved by Star’s keeper.

Despite Shire’s early pressure, Star took the lead through Scott Milligan who showed fantastic athleticism and skill to bring a long ball down on the edge of the penalty box before unleashing a sublime half volley that nestled in the corner of Jamie Barclay’s goal.

Shire could count themselves unlucky at falling behind after being temporarily reduced to ten men prior to the goal after Connor Greene suffered a nasty collision.

John Sludden sought to change things at the interval, introducing Kris Faulds and Paul Sludden into the game.

The switch almost bore fruit immediately when Andy Rodgers created half a yard of space for himself in Star’s penalty box before swivelling and firing just wide of the post.

However, Star doubled their lead through former Queen of the South Striker Dean Brotherston, who had the simple job of side footing home after a quick counter attack down the right wing.

Shire were now in danger of succumbing to their second straight defeat despite dominating for most of the game.

However, with 15 minutes to play, East Stirlingshire found their spark through the impressive Allison, beating his man down the wing before floating a teasing delivery into the path of Shire Record goal scorer Andy Rodgers, who made no mistake in firing home to give the visitors hope.

Shire found a quickfire equaliser through prolific marksman Ross Allum who collected a long ball on the edge of the box before showing great composure to turn his man and fire low beyond the helpless goalkeeper.

John Sludden’s side pressed for a winner but were unable to find it amidst some stiff Star resistance but it was nonetheless a character-building performance for a side in desperate need of some confidence if their title winning aspirations are to be realised.

Match Details: Drummond Calder

East Stirlingshire: 1. Jamie Barclay 2. Connor Greene (RB) 3. Liam Allison (LM) 4. Simon White (LCM) 5. Andy Grant (CD) 6. Robbie McNab (RCM) 7. Andy Rodgers (LF) 8. Del Ure (captain) (LB) 9. Ross Allum (RF) 10. Paul McCafferty (CM) 11. David McCaughie (RM) Subs 12. Kris Faulds (came on for 4. Simon White 46 mins) (LCM) 14. Adam Murray  (not used) 15. Paul Sludden (came on for 11. David McCaughie 46 mins) (RF) 16. Trialist (not used) 17. Trialist (sub gk) (not used) 18. Danny Ashe (not used)

Dalbeattie Star: 1. Vinnie Parker 2. Jamie McHarrie (RB) 3. Greig Thorburn (LB) 4. Lee Wells (LCM) 5. Ross Thomson (LCD) 6. Hugh Cameron (RCD) 7. Connor Graham (CM) 8. Scott Milligan (LCM) 9. Dean Brotherston (F) 10. Lewis Sloan (RM) 11. Ross Green (LM) Subs 12. Liam Park (came on for 10. Lewis Sloan 59 mins) (RM) 14. Lewis Todd (not used) 15. Ally Mason (not used) 16. Corey Thomson (not used) 17. Farrel O’Sullivan (came on for 11. Ross Green 64 mins) (LM) 18. Aiden Kerr (came on for 7. Connor Graham 72mins) (CM) 19. Curtiss Wilson (not used)

Ht 0-1 Ft 2-2

East Stirlingshire Scorers –1) Andy Rodgers (80 mins) 2) Ross Allum (86 mins)

East Stirlingshire Assists – 1) Liam Allison 2) Robbie McNab

Dabeattie Star Scorers – 1) Scott Milligan (9 mins) 2) Dean Brotherston 73 mins)

Dalbeatttie Star Assists – 1) Ross Green 2) Liam Park

East Stirlingshire Bookings – Andy Grant (65 mins)

Dalbeattie Star Bookings – 1) Jamie McHarrie (56 mins) 2) Lewis Sloan 3) Vinnie Parker (87 mins)

(East Stirlingshire had a goal disallowed in 15 minutes by Ross Allum for offside)

Crowd: 135

Referee: Lloyd Wilson

Linesmen: Kieran Whalen, Elliot Walker