12/09/2026
Match Reports
Scottish Cup | Saturday 12th September 2026
Riverside FC Sky Blue vs. Bellshill Athletic Blacks
Today we welcomed Bellshill to Stirling University for our opening match of the Scottish Cup. Exciting? Absolutely. But to be completely honest, it was a case of "I'm not angry, just disappointed."
While the final scoreline was positive, the football—especially in the first half—fell well short of what this squad is capable of. The boys need to translate what we work on in training directly onto the pitch: utilize the full width of the pitch, actively create passing lanes, move the ball with composure and patience, and refrain from forcing play. Build the game patiently, and the goals will naturally follow.
An early opener ought to have settled us down and established our authority. Instead, it had the opposite effect. For much of the half, we looked rushed, playing with heads down, over-driving the ball, and losing structural discipline. Nevertheless, goals from Tobias and Arran saw us go into the break with a 2–1 lead.
During the half-time talk, the message was clear: calm down and own the ball. Over the years, we’ve learned that our best football comes from sustained pressure, patient build-up, and recycling possession when the initial attack is blocked—followed by sharp purpose and conviction in the final third. They have the quality to do it; we’ve seen it time and again.
We reiterated our core expectations as coaches: listen, focus, and apply the training concepts during matchdays. To their credit, the second half showed marked improvement. More players tuned in, the team stretched the play wider, and the football was more fluid. As a result, the chances kept coming, with Olly, Luke, Patrick, and Kai all finding the net to round off a 6–1 victory. Job done, and through to the next round.
Perhaps our expectations are high, but that is only because we know the ceiling of this group. We are working every week to bridge the gap with the top teams in Division A. Matches like today are the ideal platform to demonstrate progression—not just by winning, but by playing our best brand of football. We have a roster of highly technical players who can achieve great things if they work as a unit and play "real football." Doing so won't just improve our chances against elite opposition; it will also give the boys a greater sense of pride in their individual contributions. We keep working. It’s all part of the journey.
Our thanks to Bellshill Athletic for a competitive, sporting match, and we wish them all the best for the rest of the season.
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Riverside Maroons v Albion Rovers -
Saturday 12th Sept 2026, Scottish Cup 1st round - Riverside Maroons v Albion Rovers FC - Stirilng University Astro
There was tangible excitement beforehand at the prospect of taking on a team from another league in the 1st round of the cup. It has not been lost on the boys that if they can get through the first 3 rounds then they could be drawn to play anywhere in Scotland in the 4th round. The prospect of a minibus trip to Aberdeen is a great motivator !
The game was played in autumnal sunshine, perfect conditions. Albion from Coatbridge had a team of 6 coaches, and in bright yellow/red kit, looked a big well-organised outfit. The first 15 minutes were a frustrating watch with no team dominating in quite a scrappy opening. During this period, both teams had chances with play being end to end. Slowly Riverside started to find more pe*******on with piercing runs from Ru, Lewis, Luca and Harry causing Albion some trouble. They had a particularly imposing defender who looked impressive using his power and speed to thwart a few of our attacks. Eventually though, the Riverside pressure paid off with a brilliant through pass from Ru allowing Harry to run onto the ball and coolly convert for 1-0. This was quickly followed by a second, with Isaac’s penetrating corner rolling out to Stefan who for the second game running scored, smashing it across the goalie into the right hand side of the net
The first half continued with more chances for Riverside and some last ditch tackles by Albion, but at half-time it remained 2-0.
The second-half progressed in a similar vein to the first half, with Riverside creating lots of chances, exploiting our passing game and hitting runners from midfield, with Isaac, Ru, Ethan and Seb to the fore. As Albion visibly tired, our players had more space and time to set up chances and put pressure on the Albion goal. A further 7 goals were scored, with a couple of hat-tricks. Robert scored the final 3 goals, marauding down the left from midfield and launching long range spectacular shots from outside the box, giving their goalkeeper no chance. The other ‘virtual’ hat-trick came from Lewis, who found himself with numerous opportunities resulting in 1 goal and a couple of situations that were as close as possible to being a goal without actually finding the net. With his pace and positioning Lewis caused lots of problems for the Albion defence, if he keeps up his incisive play and thoughtful positioning, the goals will flow.
Another new recruit, Harry, also had a standout game with 2 goals - both after being released from midfield, using his pace to bear down on the keeper before showing steely composure to finish assuredly past the goalie. All our recent recruits, Lewis, Harry, Ethan, Campbell and Robin are settling in well, contributing verve, passion, skill and intensity to the team - well done.
A special mention too for our goalkeeping duo of Campbell and Robin. Their goalkeeping coach was in attendance for the game to check on their progress, with both playing safe and assured roles in keeping Albion at bay. In the second half, Robin needing to showcase his skills, diverted a ball over his head towards the goal-line. As the ball rolled slowly towards the line, Robin made a miraculous recovery to scoop the ball to safety - a great save !
These reports have a tendency to focus on the tangible outcomes of play - primarily goals and assists. These outcomes though are the product of good passing and build up play further back - so a shout out to the defence of Oliver, Keir, Stefan and captain for the day Harris for a strong display at the back and great linkup play inaugurating attacks through midfield and the front line.
Thanks to Albion Rovers FC for a good game played in the right spirit. Good luck for the rest of the season.
Some great recent results with a rise in confidence and quality of play. Next week sees Riverside competing in the Regional cup 1st round against Netherton FC. They are a good team and will provide a serious challenge for the boys. Good luck to all.
Goals: Robert (3), Harry(2), Stefan, Lewis, Luca, Seb
Assists: Isaac, Luca, Ethan, Seb, Ru
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Calderbraes FC v Riverside Whites
Today we had an exciting opportunity to play in the Scottish Cup and after last week’s second half collapse against Cambusbarron Rovers the Whites were desperate to get back to winning ways.
Unfortunately, that was not to be and sadly we were comfortably despatched 7-0 by a very competent Calderbraes side. I’d love to do an actual match report today but the reality is that I could put all the positives on the back of a postage stamp and still have some room to write my memoirs. In reality from the first whistle we never got going, we lost the ball straight from kick off and allowed a free run into the box and were extremely fortunate not to go a goal down but that was all the encouragement Calderbraes needed and it set the tone for the match. The heads went down, we didn’t make or win any 50/50 challenges, bar one player (you know who you are). There was no team work, cohesion, willingness or desire to win. It’s not all about winning but you must want to compete and be in the mix. Football is a simple game and that’s what Calderbraes showed us. They kept their shape, dominated in the challenge and let the ball do the work, passing their way through us. I had hoped we were just applying the rope a dope strategy whilst playing into the strong wind first half but sadly I was being slightly optimistic.
I need to remind myself that the Whites have been on a journey over a number of years and I have followed the highs and lows. We have undoubtedly come a long way, culminating in last season’s top of the table finish. That came from teamwork and determination to win the individual battles, keeping our shape and focus. The days of just turning up and getting a win are no longer. If we are not willing to give that extra bit of effort then sadly we will not win.
I think it is vital that all the players look at themselves in the mirror and say we can work harder. If not, the harsh reality is that we will lose. We let some of the frustration out in the last 5 minutes today, having our first shots of the match. We hit the crossbar and could easily have scored a couple had the Calderbraes keeper not awoken from his sarcophagus to produce four top class saves. Where was this energy and determination earlier? Calderbraes didn’t even want to let us get one goal back as was their professional attitude.
I know as coaches we will give it everything to see the boys do well and it starts again on Monday night as we prepare for another cup match against a top division side in the shape of Easterhouse next week. We need to get the mojo back quickly because I could see the disappointment felt across the team and we have already put in some strong performances only a matter of weeks ago. Congratulations to Calderbraes on a terrific performance today. We wish you the best of luck on your Scottish Cup journey.
