Les Atkinson’s Spartans were required to show great character and determination as they came from behind to share the spoils with Stirling University at the Vanloq Community Stadium.
It was the 20th meeting between the old Under 20s foes and unsurprisingly, there was nothing between them on the head to head, with both sides claiming eight victories each going into Friday night’s clash under the lights.
The first half was largely spoilt by a blustery wind that typically swept across towards the main stand, being joined by some unwelcome showers along the way.
It hampered the 22 players from what could have been a cracking forty-five of fast flowing football however the ball must have welcomed the whistle at half time to take retreat from having been hoofed up the park with regularity.
But for a save at either end, the highlights reel would be left firmly on the Director’s cutting room floor.
Could Spartans turn the wind machine to their advantage after the break? Well, for the opening quarter of an hour they peppered the Stirling danger area, however a mixture of fine stops by the Stirling keeper and a degree of deserted Lady Luck in front of goal, the scores remained level on the hour mark.
Then, against the run of play, the Students went up the park and took the lead.
Spartans rallied and within 10 minutes, they were back on level terms when dogged determination by Fraser Hewie allowed him to send a telling low ball across the six yard box and it found Kyle Lothian who tapped home to score his seventh of the campaign.
It set up an interesting finale however despite a valiant effort and solid team performance, the winner proved to be an elusive one.
FT: Spartans 1-1 Stirling Uni
