Match Report

Match Report by Scott Gallacher, Communications Officer & Reporter

Stenhousemuir continued their flawless run in the KDM Evolution Trophy with a 2-0 win over Annan Athletic at Ochilview.

Despite the tough conditions caused by Storm Bram, with rain and wind battering the ground, Ross Taylor found the back of the net twice to confirm the Warriors’ place in the next round.

Gary Naysmith made four changes from last week’s side, with Nicky Jamieson, Ross Taylor, Kinlay Bilham and Kelsey Ewen coming in for Ross Meechan, Oliver Simpson, Gregor Buchanan and Finlay Gray.

Stenny’s injury misfortune continued, as after only eight minutes Nicky Jamieson was forced off with a thigh problem. He was replaced by Gregor Buchanan.

It then took 14 minutes for either side to register the first chance as both battled the conditions, with Mikey Anderson trying his luck from distance, his effort blowing over the bar.

Ollie Whyte was next to threaten, with his strike from a tight angle almost sneaking in, only for Paul McGowan to block at the near post.

The in-form Ross Taylor opened the scoring for the Warriors after driving into the box. As Zach Balfour came out to collect, the ball rebounded off the keeper’s glove and fell kindly for Taylor, who rounded him and slotted home with 35 minutes played.

The last chance of the half came when Euan O’Reilly slid a ball across the box for Matty Aitken, but his effort went narrowly wide.

Half-Time: Stenhousemuir 1-0 Annan Athletic

Stenhousemuir carried their momentum into the second half, with Taylor netting his second of the afternoon in the 53rd minute. After receiving the ball on the edge of the six-yard box, he thumped it into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

Tommy Muir registered Annan’s first real opening of the match when he tried a speculative effort from distance, hoping the wind would help it dip into the net, but it drifted wide.

Ross Taylor came agonisingly close to a hat-trick after spinning his marker and going through one-on-one, but his shot rolled inches past the post.

Referee George Calder produced a straight red card late in the game after Tommy Muir clipped Mikey Anderson from behind as he broke through on goal.

Despite the dire conditions, Stenhousemuir ran out deserved 2-0 winners and booked their place in the draw for the next round of the KDM Evolution Trophy.

Full-Time: Stenhousemuir 2-0 Annan Athletic

Stenhousemuir: D. Jamieson, N. Jamieson (Buchanan 7’), Graham, O’Reilly, Aitken, Taylor (Cameron 86’), Bilham, Anderson, Ewen, Whyte, Grant

Unused Subs: Lyle, Meechan, Gray

Annan Atheltic: Balfour, Hooper, Kilsby, Muir, McGowan, Todd (Watson 66’), Gaffney, Muir, Craik (Kalala 60’), Maxwell (Bell 87’), Gibson

Unused Subs: Clarke

Bookings: Muir (R) 72’

Match Preview

Stenhousemuir return to cup action tonight (9th December) as they host Annan Athletic in the last 32 of the KDM Evolution Trophy, with a place in the next round firmly on the line.

The Warriors come into the knockout stages unbeaten through the group phase, carrying strong momentum and confidence into this evening’s contest. That impressive run, combined with home advantage under the lights at Ochilview, gives Stenhousemuir plenty of belief they can continue their cup journey.

There has been plenty of action between the two sides, with Stenhousemuir holding the upper hand. Most recently, the Warriors claimed a 3–1 away victory over Annan in the competition in August.

For Stenhousemuir, their attacking threat has been central to their unbeaten run so far, with pace, movement and intensity in the final third proving difficult for opponents to handle. Midfield energy and pressing will again be key in setting the tempo.

Annan Athletic will look to their experienced core to drive them forward, with their attacking players eager to take advantage on the counter and from set-pieces.

Stenhousemuir are expected to take the initiative on home soil, pressing high and moving the ball quickly to sustain pressure. Annan, meanwhile, may look to stay compact, frustrate early and strike on the break when chances arise.

With knockout football bringing extra edge and recent history adding spice, tonight’s clash promises to be a competitive and compelling cup tie at Ochilview.