Stenhousemuir vs Annan Athletic

Match Report

The Warriors were held to a less-than-ideal point by hungry Annan in our first game of the new year.

The first half was extremely uneventful with neither team creating any clear-cut chances. Annan had the bulk of possession and looked to pile the pressure on from the get go, however their efforts were in vain in the first half.

The second half came around and proved to be far more exhilarating than the first, with two goals and a red card provided for the final 45 minutes.

The Warriors were quick off the mark in the opening minutes of the second half when top assister Matty Yates swung in a top quality corner for unmarked Buckie to thump in his header. 1-0.

Annan, who had shown their quality and determination, got their just rewards in the 58th minute when Muir’s glancing header floated over Deejay’s head, though there was nothing our keeper could really do about the equaliser. 1-1.

Annan’s goal lit the fire, and the struggling Borders side went on the prowl for more and almost found joy through Motherwell loanee Ross. The youngster’s driving run down the touch line gave him the momentum to aim for goal but his effort ricocheted off the bar.

We were handed a brilliant opportunity to get our noses out in front again when the referee awarded a penalty after a foul on Yates. Blair Alston stepped up to take it, but his tame effort was an easy save for Smith in the Annan net.

Annan saw red in the final 15 minutes when Paul Smith was dismissed for a shocking challenge on Yates. Smith came from behind to cynically scythe down the midfielder.

Despite the man advantage, we just weren’t able to find that all important second goal and had to settle for a point. We now look ahead to next weekend when we take on Kelty Hearts, who remain only a point behind the Warriors. This game has a later kick-off time of 5.30pm. Please make sure you join us next weekend to support Gary and the boys.

Match Report by Louise Davidson 

Preview

After a blistering win last weekend, the Warriors are eyeing up another crucial three points to mark the start of the new year.

This weekend the Warriors take on Annan Athletic in our first game of 2025. Annan currently sit 8th in the league and have struggled to kick on this season, having only won five games so far.

Annan’s last victory came just before Christmas in a five goal thrashing over Dumbarton with former Stenhousemuir players Muir and Gibson finding themselves on the scoresheet.

One man who will be keen to continue his scoring form is Matty Yates who, as well as being the club’s top scorer in the league, is the main man in front of goal when we face Annan. Yates currently sits as the top scorer in this fixture with five goals.

The Warriors will be aiming to round up all three points against the struggling Borders side to bolster our hopes of remaining at the top end of the table. Please make sure you join us at Ochilview Park this weekend to support Gary and the boys. Remember to stay up to date via all our social media channels.

Kick off: 3pm 4th January

Location: Ochilview Park

Match Preview by Louise Davidson