Stirling University 2

Selkirk 1

Kenny Paterson at Forthbank Stadium

SELKIRK lost their second game in a row under new manager Garry O’Connor, but won plenty plaudits from Stirling University boss Shelley Kerr.

The Souters showed heart and skill to fight their way back into the game against the Lowland League title challengers, having been battered in the initial stages.

It is easy to be magnanimous in victory, but Kerr appeared genuine in her praise of O’Connor’s men.

She said: “Nine times out of ten times, a new manager coming in results in a positive reaction from the players and you saw that with Selkirk.

“We were fantastic in the first 20 minutes but Selkirk showed character and played some nice football.

“I don’t often look at my watch to check how long to go but in the final five minutes I did.”

This was a match-up of two ex-Scotland internationalists turned managers, and O’Connor was forced to join Kerr on the sidelines due to a groin injury, with four other Selkirk players missing.

The former Hibs man named three trialists in his squad, including ex-Morton striker Jordan Allan in the starting line-up.

And it looked ominous for Selkirk in the opening stages, as poor defending allowed Paul McCafferty to open the scoring after just six minutes with a smart finish beyond Jamie Newman.

Allan’s swerving free kick had to be tipped over by Stirling goalkeeper Ryan Marshall, before Selkirk captain Conan McDiarmid made a desperate but vital stop to deny Chris Geddes a certain goal.

Ex-Motherwell winger McCafferty caused constant problems for Selkirk but as the half wore on, the visitors started to create problems for their hosts, with Ross Gray outstanding in midfield.

The second half saw Gray almost capitalise on a slip by Jack Nixon, only to fire over the bar.

Thirteen goal Geddes had a great chance to make it 2-0 only to produce a weak effort that was easily saved by Newman but in general it was Selkirk through the impressive trio of Allan, Addison and Gray that were pressing for a goal.

It was testament to Selkirk’s efforts that the Students’ second goal with 15 minutes to go was a surprise, especially to the visitors’ backline who were adamant George Leigh was offside when he headed the ball over the line.

Yet, Selkirk struck back on 81 minutes as Addison’s deep corner was headed in by Allan.

O’Connor’s side pressed for an equaliser but could not carve off an opening, as Stirling held on for their fifth win in a row to move nine points behind leaders Edinburgh City with two games in hand.

Despite his second defeat, O’Connor was proud of his side at full time and hopeful that Allan would sign up at Yarrow Park.

He said: “It’s hard to take. I thought we dominated the second half and didn’t deserve to lose. I can’t ask for more from the players.

“Jordan was fantastic – his workrate was superb and he kept battling.

“We will have a chat with the chairman and Jordan and see if we can work something out.”

Selkirk: J. Newman, M. Christie, J. Harley, C. McDiarmid, M. Samson, R. Scott (F. Neave 45), C. Handren, R. Gray, M. Collin (J. Easton 75), P. Addison, J. Allan.