Stirling Uni boss left proud of charges after Scottish Cup journey ends at Tannadice

By Andrew Robson

Stirling University boss Chris Geddes was as “proud as punch” of his side after their Scottish Cup heroics at Tannadice on Saturday – despite slipping to defeat.

The history-making side were the first university outfit to reach the Scottish Cup fourth round in more than 50 years and despite crashing to a 3-0 defeat to top-flight Dundee United, Geddes was delighted with his side’s showing on the big day.

The students had frustrated the hosts for much of the first half and were the first to seriously threaten to make the breakthrough. However, it was goals from Australia World Cup star Aziz Behich, Irish international Jamie McGrath and Glenn Middleton that sent the Terrors through to the next round.

After being roared on by more than 1,000 hopeful fans, proud Geddes heaped praise on his Lowland League
high-flyers.

The university side were roared on by more than a thousand fans in Dundee (SNS Group)

He said: “We just played a Premiership side and got beat 3-0, but we kept them relatively quiet for 45 minutes and then they scored right on half-time. I’m proud as punch.

“We go away from this one with our heads held high.

“Dundee United showed why they’re a Premiership team, but they were very complimentary of my guys.”

That sentiment was echoed by Dundee United boss Liam Fox who praised the students for giving his team a hard
time.

He said: “I’ve got to give credit to Stirling Uni, they worked their socks off and made it difficult for us.

Dundee United's Glenn Middleton scores to make it 3-0 (SNS Group)

“It was a massive day for these guys and they worked incredibly hard.”

The home side controlled possession for much of the match, but the visitors caused them trouble when trying to hit United on the counter-attack.

James Stokes had a shout for a penalty when it appeared he was bundled over by Behich, but the ref waved away claims for a spot-kick. The decision was taken not to make use of United’s VAR system for the match and Geddes was left cursing his luck after the penalty claim.

The University of Stirling players applaud their fans at full time. (SNS Group)

“I see why Dundee United didn’t want VAR,” Geddes joked. “That’s the type of luck you need in these games, a penalty or a mistake.”

Backed by a bumper away support of 1,047 fans, the students were buoyed by the loud travelling fanbase. Geddes added: “What a crowd, it was like a home game for
us.”