Mullen treble as Brechin hit for six

Posted Wednesday, April 14, 2010 by PA

Michael Mullen netted a hat-trick as Stirling moved into second place with a comprehensive 6-2 home win over Brechin.

After Nathan Taggart's 18-yard effort hit the post in the 28th minute, the home side got their noses in front five minutes before the break from the penalty spot. Taggart was fouled by Kevin Byers and Chris Aitken made no mistake.

Stirling were left frustrated by the woodwork again two minutes later as Mullen's header found the crossbar. However, the striker's despair turned to joy on the stroke of half-time as he doubled Stirling's lead with a 12-yard effort having been set up by David O'Brien.

Rory McAllister pulled a goal back for Brechin in the 49th minute when he claimed his 21st goal of the season - and first in five games - from 12 yards after being played in by Richard Walker.

But three goals inside a devastating four-minute period put Stirling in complete control. First Mullen produced a neat finish from 12 yards which found the top corner in the 53rd minute before Iain Russell headed home another O'Brien cross two minutes later.

Mullen then claimed the match ball in the 57th minute with a close-range header from Aitken's delivery. McAllister notched his second of the night in the 71st minute with a 25-yard free-kick after he was fouled by Paul Murphy.

However, substitute Derek Colqhoen completed the rout in injury time, finding the top corner from 18 yards with his first goal for the club.