Battle of the students sees Stirling keep title race alive

Stirling UNIVERSITY kept the pressure on leaders Spartans in the East Seniors Central Taxis Premier Division with a 2-1 victory against Edinburgh University. They now trail the Ainslie Park outfit by six points, although they do have two games in hand.

Stirling took the lead in the 28th minute when defender James Drummond fired an unstoppable shot from a corner which hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced down and out of the goalmouth. The assistant referee awarded a goal amid strong protests from the Edinburgh students that the ball had not crossed the line.

Five minutes before half-time, Edinburgh equalised when a well-delivered free-kick by James Craigen hit Stirling defender Jason Atkins on the knee and bounced into the net.

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Stirling created more chances in the second-half and they won the game in the 76th minute when a Paul Sludden pass was drilled low into the net by Chris Geddes.

Neil Irvine, the Edinburgh coach, said: “Maybe with a bit of luck we could have come away with a point.”

Gordon Dick, the Stirling coach, said: “It was a very tough, hard-fought victory which puts us back in the mix again.”

Tonight, Leith Athletic host Whitehill Welfare, who still have an outside chance of lifting the title, while Leith are desperate for points to move clear of the relegation zone.

Derek Riddel, the Leith manager, said: “We are more comfortable against the better footballing sides and we are more than capable of getting a result.”

Gary Black and Willie Bremner return for Leith although Jason Stevens is suspended.

In the Borders, relegated Selkirk entertain Vale of Leithen.