Albion come from behind to lift Supporters Direct Scotland Cup

Date: 15th July 2015

Photos and match footage from Heart of Midlothian.

Stirling Albion came from a goal down to lift the Supporters Direct Scotland Cup, beating current holders Heart of Midlothian.

Russell McLean had put the Jambos ahead in the first-half but goals from Sean Dickson and a Trialist made sure that the trophy stayed at Forthbank.

With two games in two days, Robbie Neilson elected for a mixture of youth and experience. U20s trialist Dario Zanatta started in midfield as did recent full-timer Lewis Moore, while Callum Paterson skippered the side.

An even opening quarter of an hour saw neither side really threaten, with Hearts hitting the wings and Stirling Albion looking dangerous on the counter attack.

The breakthrough was made on 17 minutes. Kevin McHattie broke down the left and sent over an inviting cross, which the unmarked McLean duly tapped home from inside the six-yard box.

Hearts made some wholesale changes at half-time, with only Jahmal Howlett-Mundle staying on from the first-half.

John Paul McGovern went close for the hosts with a 25-yard set-piece, but his effort flew just inches wide of Jack Hamilton’s right-hand post.

At the other end Reilly showed great awareness to take down a high ball and run in on goal, but his curled shot was well saved by Smith in the Stirling Albion goal.

Stirling got back on level terms with 14 minute remaining. Howlett-Mundle was penalised for a challenge inside the box and Sean Dickson calmly dispatched his spot kick.

And the hosts had completed the comeback in the space of a couple of mad minutes. Trialist 19 poked home from a corner after the ball broke in the six-yard box.

Hearts went close to getting back on level terms through Jordan McGhee. His curling free-kick beat the wall but Smith was on hand to touch the ball over the bar.

Moments later the Jambos were denied by the woodwork. Reilly brought the ball down for Sow but his first-time shot rattled back off the post.

However, the holders couldn’t find the equaliser which wouldn’t have taken the game to penalties and the hosts lifted the Supporters Direct Scotland Cup for the first time.

The victory means the Binos will get a chance to defend the trophy in next year’s fixture.

Supporters Direct Scotland would like to thank Stirling Albion for their hospitality, Heart of Midlothian for their cooperation and assistance and both match sponsor ShareIn and ball sponsor Bala Sport for their support with the fixture. Goals can be seen here:

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