Stirling Albion FC vs Hamilton Academical FC
Premier Sports Cup
Forthbank Stadium
Saturday 12th July, 3PM
Aaron Lynch
FT STIRLING ALBION FC 0-2 HAMILTON ACADEMICAL FC
Hamilton kicked off the 2025/26 campaign with a trip to Forthbank Stadium to face League Two side Stirling Albion in the Premier Sports Cup. John Rankin’s first XI of the season saw starts for Jamie Smith in goal with Barry Maguire, Stephen Hendrie and two trialists at the back, whilst Scott Robinson, Kyle MacDonald, Connor Smith, and Stephen Bradley made up the midfield, Oli Shaw and Kevin O’Hara would lead the line.
As for our hosts, they opted for Derek Gaston between the sticks, a back line of Lee Hamilton, Kyle Banner, Robbie McNab and a trialist. McKenzie Carse, Ross Cuningham, Cooper Knox and Callum Crane made up the midfield, whilst Dale Carrick and Russell McLean started up front.
KICK-OFF
The opening stages saw a cagey affair as both teams tried to settle into the game, Kevin O’Hara had the first opportunity to open the scoring in the 13th minute as slip from the Albion defender allowed him space to shoot from the edge of the box, his attempt was comfortably saved by Gaston.
Stirling had their first chance of the match just three minutes later as Ross Cuningham found himself through on goal, his powerful effort from range flew over the bar.
Accies came within inches of the lead in the 34th minute as Oli Shaw’s effort from inside the box struck the post, Scott Robinson tried his luck on the rebound but his shot was blocked and cleared by the Albion defender.
Despite Hamilton dominating large parts of the first half, the teams went into the break on level terms.
SECOND HALF
Hamilton came out of the blocks quickly in the second period and broke the deadlock in the 51st minute. Connor Smith found himself in space on the edge of the box and unleashed a beautiful curling shot into the top corner to give Accies the lead.
Moments later Accies had the ball in the net again, however the linesman deemed there to have been an offside in the build up keeping the deficit at one.
Hamilton doubled their lead in the 58th minute as Stephen Bradley’s low delivery from a free kick was met by Kyle MacDonald who fired the ball towards goal and with the help of deflection his effort found its way into the back of the net.
The closing stages of the match saw Accies push for a third goal which nearly came with 10 minutes to play through Steven Bradley as his shot from the edge of the box flew within inches of the near post.
Hamilton threatened again late on through Kyle MacDonald who’s powerful effort from long range was well saved by Gaston.
A fantastic opening day performance saw Accies take all three points in the Premier Sports
