Match Report

by David McIntyre

University of Stirling vs Broomhill | 1-4 | Lowland League | Forthbank | 13/04/2024

Broomhill traveled to the University of Stirling for their final away match this season, aiming to finish the season positively. Before the match, manager Stephen Swift said he expected a tough match but wanted the boys to follow the game plan and impose themselves onto the hosts. 

The boys listened to their gaffer as they took the lead four minutes into the match as Cameron Chalmers buried his low shot into the back of the net. It was the midfielder’s first goal of the season after latching onto a dangerous ball from Ciaran McPhie. Broomhill continued to press the University of Stirling, so much so, that they forced the home team into conceding an indirect free-kick.

The boys’ hard work on the training pitch over the season came to fruition when the team combined to score a goal worthy of the “Goal of the Season Award.” A lovely passing play including back-heels and reverse passes led to Ciaran McPhie laying the ball across the face of the goal for Josh Jack to tap into the net. After a few missed opportunities from set-pieces, Ross Smith finally capitalised from a perfect delivery from Paul Kennedy and the captain made it 3-0 before half-time. 

The first-half display looked to have given the boys the result and the manager made some early changes to avoid fatigue as they play three games over the next seven days. With the forwards putting on a show in the first half it was the defence’s turn in the second half to protect the goal. The University of Stirling came out with a point to prove in the second half. 

Despite the host’s mounting pressure, Broomhill got the 4th goal of the day as Jon Craig grabbed his first goal since joining the club. A late goal from the home team will come as a frustration to the defence after a relatively comfortable afternoon. 

Broomhill will welcome Bo’ness United on Tuesday with the final league match coming the following Saturday against East Stirlingshire.