Stirling Macedonia are the 2023 NPLM Top Four Cup winners after they deservedly beat league champions Perth RedStar 2-0 at the State Football Centre on Saturday night.
Goals from Calvin Whitney and Alexander Tanevski gave Ian Ferguson’s side their first top-flight silverware in 13 years, to the delight of their raucous support.
There was little to choose between the sides in the opening half, with Daniel Faichney shooting straight at RedStar keeper Liam Reddy in one of the few chances for either team.
But that changed within minutes of the second period. Whitney’s free-kick found its way to Tanevski, whose shot struck the outstretched arm of Ryan Finnie inside the box. Referee Shane Skinner gave a penalty and Whitney sent Reddy the wrong way for 1-0.
Stirling’s second on 73 minutes had a familiar feel. Another Whitney free-kick, this time from the left, had Reddy and defender Blair Govan in a mix-up and Tanevksi nipped in to nod home from two yards.
Whitney’s involvement ended soon after when he was dismissed for a second yellow card, and RedStar also finished the game a player down with Sonny O’Shea receiving two bookings in quick succession near the end.
Stirling skipper Luke Palmateer received the Gary Marocchi Medal as Player of the Match against his old team, before he joined head coach Ferguson in receiving the trophy from Football West director Richard Marshall and sparking long-awaited celebrations for the Stirling supporters.
Meanwhile, Perth Glory took out the two NPLM age group finals.