By John Turnbull

The University of Stirling made history last weekend as the men’s first football team reached the Fourth Round of the Scottish Cup.

It is the first time in the club’s history that the students have progressed into the last 32 of the national cup competition, becoming the first University team to do so since 1968.

Stirling battled to a 1-0 win against League Two side Albion Rovers at The Reigart Stadium on Saturday.

Coming onto the pitch as a substitute in extra time, Euan McGill tapped in fellow substitute James Russell’s cross in the 111th minute to win the game.

McGill said: “It took until extra time before the gaffer made a change because the boys were out there working hard, so we were all ready to come on when needed.”

The midfielder missed a gilt-edged opportunity minutes after replacing Ciaran McAninch, but it never mattered as the 22-year-old sealed the win with his historic strike.

He said: “I was a bit disappointed with that one, I should’ve done better, but thankfully, I was there for the second one to put it away.”

There was little between the two sides in Coatbridge, but Stirling started on the front foot and eventually got their due reward after spurning many chances throughout the opening 90 minutes.

James Berry, the Stirling skipper, said: “We knew it was going to be a hard game, they were unbeaten in their last six, but it was always going to be tight, especially on that pitch.

“The boys dug in, everyone to a man, and I don’t think you could name a man-of-the-match for us, everyone was brilliant, and we all worked for each other.”

It was a day to remember for Stirling’s Ben Fry. The Uni goalkeeper, who made several key saves, was proud of his teammates.

He added: “It’s incredible, probably the best day of football I’ve been a part of. The lads deserve it for that shift over another 120 minutes, the same as last week.”

The win followed a South Challenge Cup win over West of Scotland Premier side Darvel on penalties the weekend prior.

The cup successes mean the University of Stirling will have another two games to add into an already bustling fixture schedule.

David Bond, Head of Performance of Sport at the University, said: “Congratulations to Chris and the players on a well-deserved win in the Scottish Cup; the latest success in a strong season to date. We look forward to seeing what they can achieve in the next round and wish them the very best of luck.”

Saturday’s Scottish Cup win was Stirling’s 32nd game of the season before December. However, the result means the students have outlasted Stirling Albion in the competition, who were beaten 3-2 by Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Fellow Stirlingshire club Falkirk will join the Uni in the Fourth Round, as the Bairns knocked Wick Academy out of the tournament with a 6-0 away win.