“It looked like they would be heading up the road with a win but they couldn’t hold on,” reflected Stenhousemuir’s players after their 1-1 draw against Queen of the South FC in the Scottish Championship play-off first leg.
In an intense match held at Ochilview Park, Stenhousemuir took an early lead when Gregor Buchanan scored just before half-time. The goal seemed to set them up for a solid victory, especially considering their strong finish to the regular season, where they ended just two points behind Inverness Caley Thistle.
That context matters because it highlights Stenhousemuir’s competitive spirit. Fans packed the stands, with an attendance of 1,774, eager to see their team advance in the play-offs. However, as the clock ticked down, Queen of the South mounted a relentless attack.
In dramatic fashion, Reece Lyon found the back of the net during injury time, leveling the score and sending both sets of supporters into a frenzy. The late equalizer underscored how quickly fortunes can shift in football — one moment you’re celebrating, and the next you’re left wondering what went wrong.
Darren Jamieson, who was pivotal for Stenhousemuir throughout the match, earned the title of FM POTM (Player of the Match) for his outstanding performance. His efforts kept his team competitive until that final moment.
The second leg will be crucial for both teams. Stenhousemuir will host Queen of the South again at Ochilview Park this Saturday afternoon at 3pm. The stakes couldn’t be higher — with a spot in next season’s second tier on the line.
The winner of this play-off will go on to face either Alloa Athletic or Airdrieonians in another two-legged final scheduled for May 13 and May 16. For Stenhousemuir, this is not just about winning; it’s about proving their worth in Scottish football.