Pilton Albion Wanderers v Spartans – Match Report

Posted on Monday, December 1st, 2008

Spartans travelled a couple of miles up the road to face Pilton Albion Wanderers in the 3rd Round of The East of Scotland Cup.  Manager Lamb took a leaf out of Rafa Benitez book and decided to tinker with the teams formation moving to a 3 pronged attack.  Zuk, Perry and Scott returned to the starting line up to replace the absent Mitchell and Burns, and the vociferous Bannon was indoctrinated to the half time heroes club.

The gulf in class was evident from the start as Spartans dominated their lower league opposition.  Both Perry and Reid had early opportunities however both fired high and wide.  Scott picked up an early caution for dissent which meant the tenacious midfielder would have to curb his enthusiasm for the remainder of the game.

Spartans were dealt an early scare as Sutherland’s back header to Paternek beat the advancing goalkeepr only to drift wide of the post for a corner.  It was Sutherland who had Spartans best opportunity of the first half however the big defender was unable to direct his 6 yard header goalwards.

The second half started in a similar vein to the first; Spartans reverted to their more familiar 4-4-2 and started to pass the ball more freely.  Perry was starting to get involved in the game and was creating chances for Forbes and Zuk.  It wasn’t long before the deadlock was broken, Rae fired in a corner and it was met by the local lad Steele who powered the ball past the Pilton No.1. If the goalkeeper could touch the crossbar he may have been able to save it!

Spartans were beginning to turn the screw and it wasn’t long before they went 2-0 up.  Another dangerous corner, this time from Boyes, was headed goalwards by Forbes only to be blocked, however the big striker managed to stay on his feet long enough to drill the ball home.

Shortly after his goal, the burly centre forward was invloved again latching onto a long ball from Rae.  Forbes showed the Pilton defence a clean pair of heels only to be cynically brought down by the onrushing goalkeeper.  Astonishingly, the referee produced a yellow card.

With 15 minutes to go Pilton made a double substitution and within two minutes of his arrival, the Pilton number 12 received his marching orders.  The Pilton substitute was on the receiving end of a clumsy Sutherland tackle and retaliated with an affectionate headbutt.  At least he didn’t require a shower!

With 10 minutes to go, Harris, looking a little pale in complexion, was introduced for Scott to patrol the left hand side.  Fleming was brought on to shore up the midfield and he replaced the inconspicuous Reid.  It wasn’t a good day for Reid who was returning from injury, the big man’s parents had made the journey from Belfast to see their blue eyed boy in action, maybe next time they shouldn’t tell him they are coming.

All in all a good day for Spartans who now go on to face Plean in the next round.

Team – Paternek, Young, Rae, Sutherland, Steele, Scott (Harris), Boyes, Reid (Fleming), Perry, Forbes, Zuk (Bannon).