Stirling Univerity - Ochilview

Stirling University FC

Groundshare with Stenhousemuir FC

Ochilview Park

Gladstone Road

Stenhousemuir

FK5 4QL

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Ground Number: 1279

Saturday 16th March 2024

Stirling University 6-1 Easthouses Lily MW

East Of Scotland D2

STIRLING UNIVERSITY FC - A BRIEF HISTORY

The club is associated with the University of Stirling and was established in 1969. The club currently havs six teams in the BUCS Football League and also a team in the Lowland Football League, East of Scotland Football League, Lowlands U20 Development League and the Caledonian Amateur Football League. The club was admitted to the First Division of the East of Scotland Football League in 2008 after Berwick Rangers withdrew their reserve team. The 2009–10 season was one of great success as they won the First Division title in only the team's second season in the East of Scotland League. They also won the Scottish Universities Championship. In the 2010–11 season, in their first season in the East of Scotland Premier Division, they were runners-up and won the Alex Jack Cup, a feat they repeated in 2012 when they also won the East Of Scotland Premier. It was announced in 2013 that Stirling University would be admitted to the Lowland League as a founding member. In August 2014, the University of Stirling became the first senior club in Britain to appoint a female manager when Shelley Kerr took charge, she lasted until April 2017, leaving to join the Scottish national team setup. Last season was a successful one for the club as they finished 4th in the Lowland League and reached the Scottish Cup 4th round, beating Albion Rovers along the way before losing to Dundee United.

However, the club I would be going to see plays in the East Of Scotland League Second Division, an effective second-string side. This side started out in the league's Premier Division, replacing their first team in 2013. They finished as runners-up up in their first season. Various reorganisations of the league structure have seen them placed in a single tier (2015-2018), Conference C (2018-19), Division One Conference B (2019-2022) and Division 2 (2022-). They team used to play at the Gannochy Sports Centre but have since moved to share with Stenhousemuir FC. They have finished as high as 3rd in Scotland's second tier. Notable fans include The Wire actor Isiah Whitlock and Monty Python star Michael Palin.

MY VISIT

My preferred plan on this day would be to stick with the clubs that were on the Scottish Hop. However, I was saving quite a bit and it was more convenient to go with fellow hoppers Daniel, Richard and Colin. The majority of the vote was to replace the middle two games with a Scottish League ground, especially as two of them had been to one of the grounds. Therefore, I just had to go with the flow and it would make for a more chilled and relaxed day. Initially, the choice was Cowdenbeath, but it was eventually changed to Stirling Uni who play at Stenhousemuir.

As it turned out, it was a wise decision. It was around 50 minutes from our previous game at Luncarty to get to Stenhousemuir. We had the run of the main stand and were able to park in the ground. We had time to walk to the shop to pick up some more Scottish treats. From there, we made our way back to the ground. I got back and met up with Daniel. A friendly official from Stenhousemuir gave us a guided tour of the ground including dressing rooms and bar,. Colin had delayed Richard with his dithering, missing out and not being best pleased. Due to a previous game on the pitch, we kicked off at 15:09.

Stirling University were in 6th. They'd won three and lost two of their last five, their latest game a 4-2 win over Coldstream. Easthouses Lily MW were in 12th. They'd won two and lost three of their last five, winning 3-2 at Dalkeith Thistle in their last outing. In the reverse fixture on 5th August, Easthouses Lily MW were 2-1 Victors. It was a fairly bright start to the game, Stirling Uni took the lead on seven minutes, a ball found #9 who finished with a low shot. On 12 minutes, it was 2-0 from the penalty spot. On 32 minutes, it was 3-0 thanks to a sensational strike that found the top right-hand corner. It was 4-0 on 35 minutes, a great run down the right and a finish from a tight angle by #9. The second half was calmer but the students extended their lead to 5-0 on 65 minutes, a shot from just inside the area. A well-taken penalty reduced the arrears on 76 minutes. It was 6-1 on 83 minutes, a shot from a tight angle by #17.

THE GROUND 

OCHILVIEW PARK is a decent ground for the Scottish League 2. A smartly designed stand is the highlight, holding around 626. A large terrace, holding over two thousand is the only other cover. Though they were not open for our visit, the bar and pie hut looked decent. Nearby is a B&M Bargains and a Premier store with the latter offering hot food and lots of local produce. Parking is fairly plentiful.