Annan Athletic 5-2 East Stirling: Match Report

27 October 2012 19:01
Annan Athletic 5-2 East Stirling: Match Report - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game as it happened.


Hopkirk leads Annan goal fest

A hat-trick from David Hopkirk meant Annan Athletic kept themselves within sight of a play-off spot after seeing off East Stirling 5-2 in the Scottish Division Three.

Hopkirk and Alistair Love ensured a comfortable first half for the hosts with goals near the break, and even though Paul Quinn pulled one back on 60 minutes, the result never looked in doubt.

Hopkirk scored his remaining two goals on 68 and 90 minutes respectively, around Scott Chaplain's penalty as Nathan Shepherd's injury-time goal for Stirling was too little, too late.

Annan dominated most of the first half but the goals only came in the final few minutes as Kieran McGachie's headed assist got Hopkirk's treble started and Love powered into the top corner from close range.

Quinn's effort could not boost Stirling's revival as Hopkirk found the bottom corner for his second and then proceeded to win the penalty, which Chaplain converted.

Love then turned provider to set up Hopkirk's third in the final minute, before Shepherd scored a consolation goal for the visitors.


Source: PA