Annan Athletic vs Stenhousemuir

Match Report

The Warriors stride towards a fifth consecutive victory despite a nervy start in Annan.

Both teams started the first half on a shaky peg and nothing could particularly separate the two sides in the opening 30 minutes. They both created a few chances in front of goal and couldn’t really find a clinical finishing touch in the final third, that was until captain, Buckie, cropped up with the Rolls- Royce of headers.

The Warriors looked strong in their set pieces on Saturday and nearly profited when O’Reilly’s deep corner was met by the glancing header of Alston, which flashed just wide.

Annan proved that despite being at the bottom end of the table, they could pack a punch as they nearly struck gold in the 14th minute. Brown’s shot from a central position went wide of the target.

In the 36th minute, Buckie showed that whilst he is a stalwart in defence, he is also an aerial threat during an attack. Bilham’s free kick was no match for the Annan defence, who had to watch as Buckie rose highest to power his effort past the keeper. His goal visibly settled the tempo and gave the Warriors a cushion going into half time. 0-1.

The Warriors came out in the second half prepared to battle for three points as Annan were showing no signs of letting them go lightly. In the end O’Reilly’s goal ensured that three points would travel back up the road, along with a fifth win in a row.

Loan signing, McLuckie had a really positive impact off the bench and got to work straight away when his cross in the 78th minute was met by O’Donnell, who has been in fine form, but the young striker fizzed his effort wide.

Just 2 minute later O’Reilly’s fancy feet capped off the celebrations for the Stenny boys, as he made space to slot his shot into the bottom corner. 0-2.

This was another Warriors performance that was deserving of three points and we seek more on Tuesday night as we make the long trip to Inverness. Please make sure you join us to support Gary and the boys. Stay up to date via all our social media channels.

Match Report by Louise Davidson 

Photographs by Paul Dollard 

Preview

Warriors, after a comprehensive victory last weekend, we are setting our sights on a fifth consecutive league win as we travel to Annan on Saturday.

This weekend the Warriors are looking to add another three points to our league campaign against Annan Athletic. The team is also aiming to continue their undefeated record over the Borders side, which remains intact from 2022.

Manager, Gary Naysmith spoke ahead of the game this weekend: “We face another difficult away trip this Saturday when we travel to Annan. This is the first of 3 games in the space of a week.

“It’s great for myself as the manager that we currently have 20 fit, available players to choose from to help us through the next 3 games.”

In recent weeks Annan have begun to struggle again in the league after a period of decent form. Their struggle continues in front of goal as well, as they find themselves in the lower end of the league table.

Gary is still wary of the threat that Annan poses despite a dip in form,“Annan are a team who have a few good, experienced players, as well as some talented younger players.”

Our very own talented young player, Corey O’Donnell, will be looking to add to his goal scoring record in this fixture, as he aims to register his first goal against Annan in Stenny colours. He will have tough competition from Matty Yates who has been known to favour a goal, or three, when taking on Annan.

This fixture has been central in nearly every season since 2008, so it comes as no surprise that we are chasing for our 100th goal in this clash. With the current goals total at 97, we could be in for a cracker at the weekend.

Gary stressed the importance of this game as we pursue another win: “Once more we travel there in good form as we look to try and earn another 3 points”.

Warriors, as always your support is vital. Please make sure you join us at a the Galabank Stadium this weekend. Stay up to date via all our social media channels.

Kick off: 3pm 8th March 2025

Location: Galabank Stadium

Match Preview by Louise Davidson