A last-minute goal from Dean Evans has given Stirling Lions a dramatic 2-1 win over Armadale at Macedonia Park on Saturday afternoon, however Lions coach Doug Hesketh was frustrated with the performance of his side.

Hesketh said Evans’ goal “changed the game” for Stirling, but said he had to make some changes to the formation during the game, and acknowledged the impacts both substitutes Moses Kalau and Rory Grant had on the game.

“At the end of the day Dean (Evans) was the difference between us winning and drawing,” he said.

“We had a chance early on, then they had a few chances later on.

“I always felt we were the better team, but I thought we dropped our game and lost our way.”

Evans has been in good form, and the goal caps off his hard work during the recent matches, but has more importantly locked down fourth spot for Stirling.

The first 45 minutes lacked excitement, however Armadale had a number of chances to take the lead, but some excellent saves from Stirling keeper Aleks Vrteski ensured the game would remain at 0-0 at the break.

With both clubs starting to tire, Rory Grant was bought on the field for Stirling and had an immediate impact, scoring just three minutes after entering the game.

However, the jubilation was short lived when Armadale substitute Mark Peers slotted home an easy goal less than 10 minutes later.

Moses Kalau had two good chances to put the home side ahead and seal the game, but sent both chances begging before Anthony Lyons nodded over the bar.

Both sides looked set to split the points, but Evans had other plans, slotting home a goal in the 91st minute to give Stirling a vital three points.

Despite wanting to focus on “creating a team”, Hesketh said Vrteski was also a standout.

“You have to give credit where credit is due,” he said.

“I complemented Aleks at half time, and he probably was the difference keeping us in the game.”

Stirling 2 (Grant ’68, Evans ‘90+1)
Armadale 1 (Peers ’77)
Venue: Macedonia Park, Balcatta
Kick off: 3.00pm
Crowd: Approx 150
Referee: Mathew Cheeseman
Assistants: Colin Duncan, Daniel Cole

Stirling Lions: GK. Aleks VRTESKI, 3. Clayton ARNEZ, 4. Jason GAVIN, 5. Dean EVANS, 6. Matthew HAROLD, (7. Miki VUJACIC ’75), 8. Andy BROWN, 9. Anthony LYONS, 10. Phil ARNOLD, (11. Moses KALAU ’54), 12. Timothy HILL, 13. Dylan FILOCAMO, 14. Gareth MCGLYNN, (15. Rory GRANT ’65)

Subs not used: 2. Ben MEREDITH, 20. Jordan BLANK
Yellow cards: Clayton ARNEZ ‘75
Red cards: Nil

Armadale: GK. Cyril SHARROCK, 2. Daniel RICHMAN, (3. Trevor LAURE ’81), 4. Ian MAGUIRE, 5. Nathan COSTELLO, 6. Lance LOVIVIE, 7. Rav KUPPUSAMY, 8. Louie BAKE, 10. Rhys LOXLEY, (11. Mark PEERS ’60), 13. Sam LOVELESS, (14. Mitch CASTRILLI ’72), 15. Callum POTTON, 17. Jack SALTER

Subs not used: RGK. Tom ALLAN, 16. Brad HAYWOOD
Yellow cards: Sam LOVELESS ’67, Cyril SHARROCK ‘72
Red cards: Nil