Match Report

Match Report by Scott Gallacher

Stenhousemuir ran out 2-1 winners against Stirling Albion at Forthbank Stadium in the KDM Evolution Trophy.

The Warriors opened the scoring in the 13th minute through Olly Whyte, after Gregor Buchanan cleverly tapped the ball down into his path, allowing the forward to poke home from close range.

Stirling Albion would draw level just before the interval, with Russell McLean converting from the penalty spot to bring the Binos back on level terms.

However, it was Olly Whyte once again who proved decisive, thumping the ball into the net after a stramash inside the box to secure the winning goal of the evening.

Gary Naysmith made four changes to his starting XI, with Ollie Simpson, Archie Graham, Zeke Cameron and Mikey Anderson coming into the side. They replaced Nicky Jamieson, Ross Taylor, Kinlay Bilham and Scott McGill.

Stenhousemuir created the first chance of the game just six minutes in, as a well-weighted cross into the box was met by Olly Whyte, but his effort was gathered comfortably by Derek Gaston.

Olly Whyte was not to be denied for long. With 13 minutes on the clock, another floated delivery from the right flank fell to skipper Gregor Buchanan, who nodded the ball down into Whyte’s path for him to rattle home from close range.

This proved a common theme throughout the half, as Mikey Anderson was next to send a dangerous ball into the Albion box, again finding Olly Whyte, though this time his effort drifted narrowly wide.

Ross Meechan then struck a first-time volley from just outside the area, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.

Stirling Albion were awarded a penalty just before the break, and in-form striker Russell McLean made no mistake from 12 yards to restore parity.

Before the half-time whistle, Olly Whyte had the final chance of the opening period. Former Bino Leyton Grant picked him out on the edge of the box, forcing Derek Gaston into a low save.

Half-time: Stirling Albion 1–1 Stenhousemuir

Five minutes into the second half, Zeke Cameron had a golden opportunity to restore Stenhousemuir’s lead, but an awkward bounce forced his effort over the bar.

On the hour mark, Darren Jamieson was called into action, producing an excellent save to deny Albion and prevent the hosts from gaining momentum.

The Warriors continued to find joy from mortaring balls into the Albion penalty area. This time Euan O’Reilly was the provider, picking out Matty Aitken, whose effort flew over the bar.

Stenhousemuir regained the lead in the 66th minute, with Olly Whyte completing his brace. A corner into the box caused a scramble of bodies, and was perfectly placed to slam the ball past Derek Gaston.

A third goal nearly followed moments later, as Euan O’Reilly again picked out Mikey Anderson, who narrowly missed the target.

Darren Jamieson was again called upon to preserve the lead, reacting sharply to block what looked to be a certain equaliser for Albion.

Late on, Gregor Buchanan’s towering header looked set to give the Warriors a two-goal cushion, but Derek Gaston produced a fine save to deny the captain.

Olly Whyte’s brace proved enough to knock local rivals Stirling Albion out of the KDM Evolution Trophy and send Stenhousemuir into the quarter-finals, where they will face Inverness Caledonian Thistle away.

Full-Time: Stirling Albion 1-2 Stenhousemuir

Match Preview

Match Preview by Scott Gallacher

Stenhousemuir head to Stirling on Tuesday evening for a rescheduled local derby clash with Stirling Albion in the Round of 16 of the KDM Evolution Trophy at Forthbank, with kick off at 7:45pm.

The Warriors will be aiming to maintain their impressive cup run and secure a place in the quarter-finals.

Stenny booked their spot in this stage of the competition with a convincing 2-0 victory over Annan Athletic at Ochilview, navigating difficult, windy conditions as a brace from Ross Taylor proved decisive with the Warriors comfortably sealing progression.

Stirling Albion, meanwhile, required penalties to advance in the previous round. The Binos drew with Greenock Morton before emerging 5-4 winners in a shoot-out to knock out the Championship outfit.

In the William Hill League One, Stenhousemuir come into the tie full of confidence following a dominant 5-0 victory over East Fife at Ochilview.

Ross Taylor netted twice, Olly Whyte continued his fine form with his third goal for the club, Dale Carrick marked his return from injury with a goal, and Nicky Jamieson got his second in as many games to add a fifth to cap a superb afternoon.

The result keeps the Warriors top of the table and extends their home unbeaten run to sixteen matches.

Stirling Albion also arrive in strong form, having recorded their third consecutive league victory with a 4-1 win away to Edinburgh City.

Despite Edinburgh taking an early lead through Ouzy See, a Russell McLean hat-trick and a Ross Cunningham strike ensured all three points for the Binos.

The last meeting between the sides came in the Stirlingshire Cup on 21 June 2025, when Stenhousemuir ran out 2-1 winners, and Tuesday’s tie offers another opportunity to continue that positive recent record in local derby action.