Renfrew knock League Two Stirling Albion out of Scottish Cup with 2-1 victory

Renfrew have secured one of the biggest results in the club’s recent history after knocking Scottish League Two side Stirling Albion out of the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup with a 2-1 victory at New Western Park on Saturday 24th October 2026.

Goals from Aedan Gilfedder and Sean Fyfe secured Renfrew’s place in the third round in front of 293 supporters, despite a late reply from Billy Hutchinson.

The victory was a significant achievement for Renfrew, who are competing in the Scottish Cup for the first time this season. The Lowland League West side went into the tie sitting 13th in their league, while Stirling Albion were seventh in Scottish League Two.

Renfrew had collected 10 points from 11 league matches, compared with Stirling Albion’s 12 points from the same number of games. Despite the difference in league status, Renfrew produced a result that will rank among the highlights of their campaign.

The match was one of the Scottish Cup second-round ties to go ahead despite Storm Boleo bringing high winds and heavy rain across the country, forcing several postponements.

The visitors had an early opportunity in the 11th minute when Danny Dobbie fired over from inside the penalty area.

Stirling Albion continued to create chances, with Robbie McNab shooting narrowly wide in the 25th minute before Renfrew goalkeeper Jack Donohoe saved an effort from Dobbie two minutes later.

Renfrew also threatened, with Anthony Doyle sending a shot just over the crossbar in the 36th minute.

The home side broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute following a free-kick into the Stirling Albion penalty area. The ball was worked back across the face of goal by Olly Smith, allowing Gilfedder to finish from close range and give Renfrew a 1-0 lead.

Stirling Albion goalkeeper Curtis Lyle suffered an injury towards the end of the first half, with concerns over whether he would be able to continue.

Lyle returned to the pitch during the half-time interval and took part in a brief warm-up, but was eventually replaced by Andrew McNeil before the second half began.

The visitors also introduced Russell McLean in place of Danny Dobbie at the interval.

Stirling Albion started the second half with chances for McNab, whose effort was saved by Donohoe in the 49th minute before he fired narrowly wide a minute later.

Renfrew responded through Chris Mahon, whose 51st-minute effort was saved by substitute goalkeeper McNeil.

The wind and rain intensified dramatically shortly before Renfrew doubled their lead, sending supporters running for cover as Storm Boleo battered New Western Park. Barely 30 seconds after the sudden downpour began, Stirling Albion failed to clear the ball from their penalty area, allowing Sean Fyfe to find space in the centre of the box and fire a right-footed shot into the bottom-left corner in the 55th minute. Renfrew were 2-0 ahead, and thankfully for the drenched supporters, the worst of the weather passed within a few minutes.

Stirling Albion suffered another injury setback five minutes later when Kevin Waugh was forced off, with Barry Hepburn coming on as his replacement.

Stirling Albion continued to push forward, but Renfrew maintained their two-goal advantage as the match entered its closing stages.

Jordan Moore had an effort saved for Renfrew in the 68th minute, while Olly Smith fired over a minute later.

Stirling Albion reduced the deficit in the 79th minute when Hutchinson scored with a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area into the bottom corner, assisted by Kurtis Roberts.

Renfrew had another opportunity in the 83rd minute when substitute Noel Kiely’s effort was saved by McNeil.

Gilfedder also had a shot saved in the 89th minute as Renfrew looked to restore their two-goal advantage.

Stirling Albion pushed for an equaliser during four minutes of added time, with Hutchinson forcing another save from Donohoe in the third additional minute.

The visitors also threatened from a late corner, with Renfrew surviving a goalmouth scare when the ball was cleared off the line.

Renfrew held on to secure a memorable victory against SPFL opposition and book their place in the third round.

The result continues Renfrew’s first Scottish Cup campaign, having previously defeated Broxburn Athletic 3-2 to reach the second round.

Stirling Albion named Hutchinson as their Man of the Match and thanked their travelling supporters for attending despite the poor weather conditions.

Former Scotland international Ally McCoist was among the spectators at New Western Park, watching his son Argyll, who plays for Renfrew. Argyll came on as an 84th-minute substitute, replacing Jordan Moore.

Renfrew have been drawn at home against either Cumbernauld Colts or Banks O’Dee in the third round of the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup. Their opponents have still to complete their second-round tie, with third-round matches scheduled for the weekend of Saturday 28th November 2026.