Stirling show intent in fine league win

the home side grasped the opportunity to gain a vital three points in their league campaign following last week's defeat to Tynecastle.

The students' outstanding defensive display, marshalled by the returning Jason Atkins, was complemented with a three-pronged attack including ex-Cardiff City striker Craig Mason who snatched a brace.

The game was controlled by Stirling University from the outset and their pressure paid off on the half-hour mark when a Callum Scott corner picked out Mason who glanced his header beyond stopper Alan Dillon from six yards out.

The second half started with Stirling in the ascendency once more. On 55 minutes, Scott once again provided following excellent work down the left. His left-foot delivery was curled into the area and Atkins rose highest to head into the top corner.

A third could have followed immediately from the restart. Mason latched on to a loose back pass by Gerry Burgess, and found himself one-on-one with the Civil keeper. However, his curled effort crept wide of the near post.

On 60 minutes, excellent work down the right from Denholm again picked out Mason. A neat dummy from Pearson allowed time for Mason to set himself before firing high beyond a helpless Dillon.

Shortly afterwards, another set-piece from the home side caused problems in the Civil Service penalty area. Drummond once again found space and this time finished with a diving header to make it 4-0.

Substitute striker Abraham Keller made an appearance and was unlucky not to make it five when he rattled the woodwork.

Stirling Uni: Walker, McCullagh, Atkins, Drummond, McKee, Pearson, Neislon, Scott, Denholm, Dalrymple, Mason. Subs: Meechan, Nixon, Keller, Parr-Gallagher, Milne.

Civil Service: Dillon, Robertson, Raeburn, Hogarth, Burgess, Gay, Calvey, Dickson, Campbell, Newby, Wilson. Subs: Somerville, Rennie, Munro, Jack, Burnside.

Stirling University 4

Civil Service Strollers 0