The Stags took a break from their league campaign last Saturday as they headed back across the Forth to play Alloa in the National Shield. The sides had met in the league 2 weeks ago with Grangemouth running out comfortable winners. However with a host of players unavailable for various reasons it was a very different Grangemouth team with only 6 players from that team in the starting lineup. Scott was back after injury and there were first starts of the season for Taylor, Rooney, Hall, Keigan, Spence, Lord, Garamukanwa and Adam McGregor. Conditions were difficult with frequent blustery showers and a very soft pitch. The Stags made a terrible start as they failed to hold onto the ball and Alloa forced their way over from close range. A few minutes later another pass was spilled and the home side broke upfield for their second score. Grangemouth were struggling for any decent possession and it was no surprise when Alloa added a third try in the opening quarter after a quick tap penalty. The Stags finally responded after 20 minutes. Garamukanwa picked up and made ground from a scrum on the home 22. When the ball was recycled Stanley stepped inside his man for the score. Coyle added the extras. However soon after another turnover saw Alloa break from halfway and race in to score. The closing minutes of the half saw the home side stretch their lead with 3 further scores. First they intercepted for a simple run in before a good offload and a number 8 pickup resulted in trys. HT Alloa 43 Stags 7.
Alloa increased their lead at the start of the second period with a simple penalty. Finally the Stags seemed to wake from their slumbers and put some pressure on the home team. Firstly good handling by the backs saw Coyle dive over for an unconverted score. Then Allan broke a tackle in midfield to run in for an individual score. Coyle was on target with the conversion. Grangemouth continued to attack and added 2 further scores. Ferguson crashed over after a tap penalty and then good handling by the backs saw Stanley collect his second try. The young fullback converted both scores. However with the last play of the match Alloa forced their way over for a try. FT Alloa 51 Stags 31
This was a disappointing way to exit the Shield. The Stags paid the price for a very poor first half performance where they failed to play to the conditions, were far too passive in defence and made numerous handling mistakes to gift Alloa some very soft scores. Man of the match was Roddy Johnston. There are no games this weekend. The next matches are both away on the 15 November when the 1s travel to face Hillfoots and the 2s face Rosyth. Both KO at 2pm.