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Spartans to strong for Links
November 2, 2008
Spartans secured a place in the 4th round of the Scottish Amateur Cup following a comfortable win over East of Scotland Cup holders Links Utd. On a perfect day for football and on a perfect playing surface, Spartans struggled to play at the level of performance they have seen over the last few weeks.
Spartans controlled this, the third meeting between the teams in as many years from the outset and quickly established a lead. A superb free kick from Andy Mitchell was met by Nick Reid only for his header to be turned over the bar. Mitchell’s corner was flicked on at the fron post by Reid and met by Paul Sutherland to nod the ball into the net - straight from the training ground.
The remainder of the first half ebbed and flowed with Links having a number of corners but no note worthy efforts on goal as the experience Spartans defence held firm. A few reckless challenges did fly in and a number of Links players picked up yellow cards.
Another Mitchell corner early in the second half was thundered home by Joe Steele, who would nomally only have been arriving for the game about this time. Spartans looked comfortable at 2-0 and then the Links left back saw red for arguably his fifteen foul.With 20 minutes to go Reid was carried from the pitch following an innocous collision with the Links centre back - a chipped ankle bone the result. Spartans soon looked to have killed off the game with an excellent 3rd goal from Keith Boyes following a flowing passing move.
With less than five minutes to go some poor defending allowed Links to score a consolation goal. However, with almost the last kick of the game Links scored again to make it 3-2 and set up a nervy last minute. Spartans however saw out the game and progressed to the 4th round draw.
For 85 minutes Spartans were superb in defence with Joe Steele a rock at the back against the lively Links strikeforce. Mitchell pulled the strings in midfield and Forbes and Perry looked dangerous in attack.
Spartans have now dismissed high flyers from the Stirling Premier league, Fife Premier league and the reigning East of Scotland Champions.
Team:
Patenek, Burns, Rae, Steele, Sutherland, Bannon, Boyes, Mitchell, Reid (Zuk 70), Perry, Forbes
Subs: Fleming, Harris, Kellacher,
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