In an intense and hard-fought match, the Binos faced a 2-0 defeat against Cove Rangers. The game mirrored last week’s encounter in Aberdeen, with Cove again emerging victorious.

 

Stirling commenced with swift movement and determination, but Cove Rangers soon set the match’s tone. Paul McGowan narrowly missed an early goal opportunity, yet the Binos’ back line held firm, successfully thwarting another attempt from star player Rumarn Burrell.

 

The game’s momentum shifted in the 10th minute, as Michael Doyle capitalised on Connor Scully’s corner, heading the ball past Mark Weir to open the scoring for Cove. Stirling responded immediately, with a striking attempt from Robert Thomson, which agonisingly struck the underside of the crossbar.

 

As the first half progressed, Stirling found their rhythm, creating several opportunities and putting pressure on the Cove defence. However, referee Duncan Williams blew the whistle for half-time, with Cove maintaining their one-goal advantage.

 

HALF-TIME: 0-1

 

In the second half, Cove extended their lead, with Connor Scully weaving through the Binos’ back line and slotting the ball into the bottom corner in the 50th minute. The Binos rallied, refusing to let their heads drop, launching several offensive attacks in an attempt to breach Cove’s defence.

 

In the 69th minute, fresh legs were brought onto the pitch, with Josh Cooper and Kyle Banner replacing Ewan Wilson and Murray Miller. These changes rejuvenated the team, creating more chances but failing to alter the scoreline. In response, Cove also made substitutes to bolster their defence and maintain their two-goal lead.

 

In the match’s closing stages, Stirling still relentlessly persisted in their effort to get back into the game, with Josh Cooper’s late run forcing a save from Nicholas Suman. Despite a valiant performance and 90 minutes of high intensity and work rate, Stirling failed to score, ending our Scottish Cup dreams.

 

FULL TIME: 0-2

 

 

Stirling Albion: Weir, McGeachie, Clark, McLean, McGregor, Carrick, Leitch, Moore, Wilson (Cooper 69′), Miller (Banner 69′), Thomson.

Substitutes: Currie, Dunsmore, Banner, Cooper, Rennie, Omobude, Isaac.

 

Cove Rangers: Suman, Jones, Doyle, Scully, Gillingham, McGowan (Darge 82′), Yule, Burrell, Connell (Williamson 76′), Kerr (Niang 76′), Reynolds.

Substitutes: Demus, Niang, Darge, Mykyta, Gallagher, Stewart, Williamson.