Stenhousemuir vs Alloa Athletic

Match Report

Stenhousemuir were on the end of a gut-wrenching result as Alloa gave a five-star performance.

Stenhousemuir were looking to leave their tricky run of form in the rear-view mirror as they took on Alloa Athletic, however the Warriors were stung at home by the ruthless Wasps.

Stefan Scougall’s second half brace along with teammates Donnelly and Gentles’ goals ensured that the three points returned to Alloa. Matty Yates bagged a consolation goal for the Warriors.

The Warriors’ performance highlighted a lack of confidence

The Warriors started off strong in the opening 20 mins and posed a real threat going forward. O’Reilly had two very similar curling efforts that narrowly missed the target and would have deservedly given the Warriors the lead.

The game opened up before half time for Alloa who reaped the rewards for their persistence. Top scorer, Donnelly, fired the ball home from an exceptionally tight angle, though Deejay may have been disappointed that he didn’t keep it out. 0-1.

The Warriors lost their momentum and fluidity on the ball and began to crumble as Alloa doubled their lead through Scougall. In the 60th minute, the Warriors were cut open by slick play from Alloa and Scougall was there to slot the ball home. 0-2.

The Wasp’s third goal was one that nobody could do anything about. Gentles rocketed his effort in off the post to all but ensure three points for the visitors, who in recent weeks had found themselves in a poor run of form. 0-3.

The Warriors were thrown a lifeline in the 74th minute, though it was too little too late, after Yates headed in his effort from O’Reilly’s well executed cross. 1-3. Alloa ensured that the Warriors’ lifeline was cut short when on fire Scougall bagged a brace for the afternoon, netting in from a low cross. 1-4.

This was a result that the crestfallen Warriors must hoist themselves up from as they look ahead to next weekend when they challenge league leaders Arbroath.

Captain, Gregor Buchanan: “We didn’t merit anything in the game”

“Alloa really ran over the top of us and credit to them, they were by far the better team on the day.

“We are really disappointed with that. We are going through a sticky patch at the moment, and we need to try and bounce out of that as quickly as possible.

“Nothing has changed with the aims and the targets that we would like to achieve with the football club.”

Manager, Gary Naysmith: “They are my players, I’m their manager and I’m proud to be their manager”

“In the second half we were really off the fundamentals that you need: hard work, being organised, all of the ugly side of the game. We were well below it and Alloa deservedly won the game.

“There is a little bit of a lack of confidence just now and that’s understandable as we’ve not won any game in the last five.

“It’s up to us to keep reminding the players that they are good players and that they are a good team. To get back to showing that, you have to work hard.”

As it ended 1-4 at Ochilview Park, Gary and the boys require all of your support to return to winning ways when we travel to Arbroath next weekend. Please join us there Warriors, as we search for three points.

Match Report by Louise Davidson 

Photographs by Thomas Gorman and Kristopher Dowell 

 

 

Preview

The Warriors are aiming for another victory with a monumental game on Saturday as we face Alloa.

This weekend, the Warriors are not only seeking another crucial three points in their hunt for the playoffs, they will also be keen to defeat Alloa at home for the first time in 16 years.

The last Warriors’ triumph over the Wasps at Ochilview came in 2009 when a single goal separated the two sides. On this occasion magic midfielder, Kevin Motion, grasped the only goal and along with sealing three points recorded his second best scoring season.

This has been a remarkable season for the Warriors and in the later stages of last year, they recorded their first away win over Alloa in 12 years with a convincing 1-3 victory. Steele and Anderson lifted the Warriors off, before top scorer O’Donnell capped off a perfect afternoon.

Ahead of this crucial fixture, Gary Naysmith shared his thoughts with the club website:

“Last week was a disappointing result but we have a chance to bounce back on Saturday against Alloa, who also suffered a defeat last week.

“A win on Saturday would put us 11 points in front of Alloa with 4 games to go. This would push us very close to securing a play-off place and that is what we will be trying to do.”

Rankin will endeavour to swarm the Warriors’ hive at the weekend

As Alloa’s top scorer this season, Luke Rankin will be keen to add to his tally of 8 goals in 25 games. The Wasps’ attacker also has an eagle eye for creating chances and when on the ball is a threat going forward.

He will, however, have stiff competition from top scorer in this fixture, Conor Sammon, who has rippled the net a few times against the Warriors.

The Wasps though, have found themselves in a rut when it comes to league form as they have only managed one win in their last seven games.

This is a game that could prove to be a pivotal moment in both teams’ seasons, with the Warriors aiming to pull further ahead in their pursuit of a play-off place and Alloa wishing to keep their foot in the race for a potential play- off spot.

Warriors, as always, please join us this weekend as we continue the charge for the play-offs your support is as vital as ever. Remember to stay up to date via all our social media channels.

Match Preview by Louise Davidson