Lowland League East: Five-star East Stirlingshire get back to winning ways

Five-star East Stirlingshire got back to winning ways in the Scottish Lowland Football League East last Saturday.

Callum Tapping’s side came from two goals down to beat Berwick Rangers 5-2 at Shielfield Park, with that victory ending a six game winless run in the fifth tier.

East Stirlingshire’s hat-trick hero Michael Weir was presented with the match ball by player-boss Callum Tapping last Saturday (Photo: Submitted)

placeholder image — East Stirlingshire’s hat-trick hero Michael Weir was presented with the match ball by player-boss Callum Tapping last Saturday (Photo: Submitted)

Former Bo’ness Athletic forward Michael Weir returned after three months out due to a broken collarbone – and he netted a hat-trick.

Recent addition Sonny Aluko scored for second game in a row with summer signing Chris Ogilvie also on the scoresheet. Goalkeeper Jay Cantley also saved a second-half penalty.

"It was a brilliant day, but it was just nice to get the win to be honest,” player-boss Tapping told the Falkirk Herald.

"We’ve actually played just as well in most of our recent games but the results haven’t shown that. Even at Brechin City last midweek, we played really well and should have scored a few more.

"It a big result just for breaking that rut and giving everyone at the club a lift because we have been so close to winning football matches."

Tapping also admitted that losing his marquee summer signing so early in the campaign was a big blow.

Weir had scored in the opening day victory away to Hill of Beath Hawthorn but was ruled out of action not long after that.

Tapping explained: “It isn’t meant in a disrespectful way, but for clubs at our level in our position, we don’t have the luxury that others clubs do.

"You can’t go out and sign two or three proven, top-level strikers. You are probably going for that one experienced one. You put our eggs in one basket.

"We have some really talented younger attacking players but Paddy (Michael) has that greater level of experience.”

The Shire – who sit 10th on 14 points from 13 outings – now host Musselburgh Athletic this Saturday at Ochilview Park on league duty.

Following that is another home game against Cowdenbeath on Wednesday, November 18. That clash is being broadcast by Lowland League Live on YouTube.

Bo’ness United meanwhile lost 5-1 away to leaders Tranent in their league game last Saturday. Stuart Hunter’s side host Dunipace this Saturday. The DCL Westfield outfit didn’t have a fixture last weekend.