Darren Jamieson shines in Stenhousemuir's penalty shootout success against Livingston

Stenhousemuir boss Marvin Batley hailed stopper Darren Jamieson’s remarkable performance against Livingston after the goalkeeper saved three spot-kicks.

The 35-year-old was the difference maker for the Warriors last Saturday at Ochilview, single-handedly earning the Warriors a bonus point that saw them top their Premier Sports Cup group - and secure a spot in the round of 16. Jamieson denied Robbie Muirhead from the spot during normal time before going on to save three penalties during the shootout following a 0-0 draw.

And Bartley knew that he needed a strong showing from his goalkeeper to have any chance of winning the shootout with opposition stopper Jerome Prior also being a spot-kick specialist.

“He was fantastic,” the boss beamed. “The best penalty save he made was actually the one during the game. And I don’t know if it was a penalty, but I will leave that for another day... DJ made a superb stop. And to then go and do what he did in the shootout was brilliant. He was at his best for us and he had to be.

“I know Jerome Prior well from my time at Livingston and he is a great with penalties so I knew that DJ would need to save a couple for sure. And he managed to save three while Jerome saved two!”

Jamieson denied Muirhead again from the spot before also stopped efforts from experienced duo Stevie May and Cammy Kerr. And the bonus point picked up by the Warriors was crucial, as it saw them top their group over Partick Thistle and Livingston with ten points.

That top-place finish has earned a round of 16 home tie against Scottish Premiership side Motherwell and Bartley was delighted to have progressed past the group stage.

He added: “I was delighted for the lads because they have taken so much on board in a short space of time. We’ve went up against two full time Championship clubs, who are both favourites for the league, and managed to finish above both. No-one would have given us a chance of going through outside of our four walls when the group came out.

“The big one for me was going to Partick Thistle on a Tuesday night and getting a result. I don’t think some people realise just how hard it is for part time players in that situation, a midweek game against a full time team. Our guys have been working all day.”

Newly-promoted Stenhousemuir now travel to Raith Rovers this Saturday as their Scottish Championship campaign gets underway.

Ahead of that trip to Stark’s Park, Bartley said: “The belief that the players will take from topping the group will be big for us. But I am always thinking about the other side of things, we need to make sure that the confidence we have gained doesn’t turn to complacency because the Championship is an unforgiving league and things can change very quickly in football. I said that to the players after the game on Saturday. They got a massive pat on the back for qualifying but come Tuesday the league is our sole focus. The league cup draw against Motherwell at home is great and something to look forward to but my mind is only on Raith Rovers.

“Dougie (Irmie) is a close personal friend. I watched them against Hearts last Friday. His teams are a reflection of him as a player. They work hard and make things difficult. As a player he had work ethic and a bit of flair too. He has some great attacking options. We know that it is going to be a difficult task but we have to thrive as a Championship team. We are here because we deserve to be here. It’s about showing that now.”

Meanwhile, the boss confirmed that Archie Graham was back in full training and that he was hopeful of being able to call upon Michael Anderson, Gus Stevenson and Matty Aitken come this weekend.