Montrose scored twice in a devastating three-minute spell to defeat Stirling Albion 2-0 in the Premier Sports Cup group stage, keeping their hopes of advancing from Group B alive. The match at a sun-drenched Forthbank saw the League Two hosts compete well against Stewart Petrie's experienced side, but a soft penalty and a quickfire second goal proved decisive.
Penalty Decision Shifts Momentum
The deadlock was broken on 28 minutes when referee Lewis Hogarth awarded Montrose a penalty for an apparent shirt-pulling offence against home defender Sam Denham from an innocuous corner kick. Ewan Loudon stepped up and calmly slotted the spot-kick into the bottom right corner to give the visitors the lead.
Just two minutes later, Montrose doubled their advantage. A deep corner from the right was headed back across goal by Sean McGinty, and Blair Lyons was on hand to volley home from six yards, leaving Stirling goalkeeper Andy McNeil with no chance.
Stirling's Missed Opportunities
Stirling had earlier squandered a golden chance to take the lead on 15 minutes when strike partner Jordan Allan poked a through ball wide of the target after being played in by Russell McLean. McLean was again involved early in the second half, slaloming past multiple defenders before slamming a shot into the side netting just 50 seconds after the restart.
Manager Steven Whittaker made three changes from the midweek win against Spartans, handing debuts to loan signing Zeke Cameron from Dunfermline and veteran defender Kevin Waugh, while on-loan teenager Lucas Fyfe also made his first appearance. Despite the introductions, Stirling struggled to break down a resolute Montrose defence.
Late Pressure Repelled
Stirling pushed for a way back into the match, with Dale McNab, who scored a stunning goal in midweek, firing over from close range after Barry Hepburn's teasing cross. The visitors almost sealed the win when debutant Gary Oliver found space in the box but could only direct a weak shot straight at McNeil.
Montrose defended stoutly in the closing stages, throwing bodies in front of efforts from substitute Mark Russell and Hepburn to preserve their clean sheet. The result leaves Stirling with one final group stage match against Arbroath at Gayfield on Saturday, where they will look to finish their campaign on a high.
Team Lineups
Stirling Albion: McNeil, Hamilton (Waugh 72'), McNab, Banner, Hepburn, McLean (Wright 72'), Denham, Raine (Thomas 72'), Cameron (Russell 65'), Allan (Fyfe 65'), Crane. Subs not used: Duffy, Boyle, Nelson, Laird.
Montrose: Gill, Williamson, Duffy, Quinn, McGinty, Byrne (Clark 79'), Webster, Barjonas (Oliver 70'), Loudon, Lyons (Bertie 90'), Freeman. Subs not used: Millar, Mochrie, Cleland, Craig, McClements, Clark.
Referee: Lewis Hogarth.
