McGill sends History Boys to 4th Round Tangerine Dream
By Peter Humfrey
History was made earlier this week as the University of Stirling’s Men’s football team were drawn to play topflight side Dundee United away, in the Scottish Cup.
The side, who currently sit second in the Lowland League, made history after becoming the first University side in Scottish history to make the 4th round of the Scottish Cup.
Euan McGill celebrates win against Albion Rovers – Image Credit: George Vekic
Their place in the hat was assured after a weekend victory over Scottish League Two side Albion Rovers, 1-0, in a tense encounter, with midfielder Euan McGill tapping home a winner in the 111th minute.
They will now face 12th-placed Scottish Premiership side, Dundee United, nicknamed “the Tangerines” on the weekend beginning 21st January.
Former striker-turned manager, Chris Geddes has said he was “absolutely delighted” with the historic result.
On the win he said “the players put in a phenomenal performance, their best of the season so far, and deserve all the plaudits they will receive on the back of this”
Ahead of the Fourth Round draw he was full of praise for their “outstanding performances all season” speaking on how they were “being rewarded for their efforts.”
The result, from a club in existence less than a decade, came against fourth tier side Albion Rovers, who currently sit 7th in the league above the University’s team.
Midfielder and Captain – Matthew Berry – Image Credit: University of Stirling Football Club
Speaking after the victory, captain Matthew Berry, hailed “the morale, the attitude and the work rate” from his teammates underlining the bond in team; “we are so together both on and off the pitch.”
Before the draw Berry said “To make history in the Scottish Cup is incredible”, going on to talk of the team’s anticipation for the fourth round.
“We can’t wait for the next round – a Premiership tie would be amazing!”
Following the draw, Geddes stressed there were a lot of games before that they need to focus on but that it’s an “exciting game for the whole club and University” and that the “boys will be really looking forward to it”
This marks quite the year for manager Geddes, who was named Scottish Student Sport Coach of the Year after leading his side to consecutive titles in the British and Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Premier North Division.
Manager – Chris Geddes (37) – Image Credit: University of Stirling Football Club
The fourth round tie will be played at the 14,000 capacity Tannadice Park, in Dundee.
Whilst ticketing information has not yet been released, it is expected the team will take a small contingent of away fans and The Stirling Scope will keep fans up-to-date with any travel arrangements made by the club or the University.
The setting sees big change for the side who are more accustomed to playing at the 3,800 capacity Forthbank Stadium, who they share with Scottish League Two side, Stirling Albion.
Stirling Albion enjoyed their own magical fourth round tie at the beginning of this year, travelling to Ibrox, where they lost 4-0 to Old Firm giants, Rangers.