The 2nd XI beat Stenhousemuir 6 – 2 today in the East of Scotland Cup quarter-final (full match report on 2nd XI section).  Unbeaten so far this season Stenhousemuir were very confident going into the tie but a second half barrage from Spartans took us through to our first East semi since 2001.  Stenhousemuir had most of the play in the first half and scored first from close range after 30 minutes.  Two goals in two minues from us just before half time put a different complexion on the game.  Firstly Joe Steele netted from 6 yards after their ‘keeper flapped at a cross.  The second was the goal of the game – a superb run and cross from Michael Moffat was headed home by Adam Perry.  Just on half time Stenhousemuir equalised.  Jim Rae had conceded a soft free kick in a wide position and it was finsihed off with a near post header.

Spartans opened the second half on fire and three goals in 15 minutes finished the tie.  Gary Bannon’s cross ended up in the net taking a wicked deflection before two goals from Adam perry.  The first was when he ran thriough and rounded their ‘keeper.  The second a flicked header from a Jim Rae corner.  Our set pieces were dangerous and Jordan Steele completed the scoring when he nodded home a Keith Boyes corner. 

The Stenhousemuir ‘keeper completed a bad day with a red card after he took out Michael Moffat with a high and dangerous tackle.

Adam - up to 14 for the season

 The Rick Shaws Manza of the Match going to Jordan Steele – immense at the back and scoring the vital first goal.   

Team: Paterek, Burns, Rae (Young 82), Steele, Sutherland, Moffat, Scott (Douglas 71), Reid (Zuk 69), Boyes, Perry, Bannon Subs not used: Mitchell, Graham

The semi final will be against Boness Ams who won their quarter final today.

The 3s were in league action earlier today, unfortunately they went down 4 – 0 to Redhall Star.

10 man Spartans defeated Preston Athletic this afternoon to leapfrog them into third place in the league. A first half penalty from Keith Mcleod and a close range goal from Gavin Malin were enough to see Spartans go into half time with a two goal advantage, however they also went in with 10 men after Robbie Manson was sent off after 35 minutes in what was a very tough game.

Despite playing with less men Spartans had chances to extend their lead in a very even second half. Preston ensured there was a tense end to the game scoring in the final ten minutes. The hard working Spartans side managed to hang on though for a well deserved victory.

Team: Flockhart, O’Donnell, Malin, Archibald, Gerrard, Kader, King, Manson, Walker, McLeod (Preston), Henretty

Att: 146

Michal Opilka, a Polish central defender, who has been training with us over the last month has now been given international clearance and will sign for Spartans next week.   Michal played in the Polish 3rd Division with Legia Chelmza and before that with Elana Torun.  Co-manager Mike Lawson is delighted, “we have played this season with a strong but small squad but with Michal and David Etale now both cleared to play for us it strengthens us just at the right time.  We will need everyone when we start playing two or three games a week.  Michal is young, tall, strong and fast  and has played well in a couple of bounce games over the last two weeks.  Over the last couple of seasons we have had a couple of Poles in the 2nd XI and they have fitted in very well and really enjoy the club.  We’re sure Michal will do also.”

michal - cleared to sign

The youngsters had a great week down at the Academy, and so did the coaches.   Looking ahead booking has now opened for our Easter programme for both boys and girls.

The Easter Programme

Fans - looking forward to the action tomorrow

After a two week break it’s back to competitive action tomorrow with a home league game against Preston Athletic.  The Prestonpans side are currently above us in the league and are a very strong side.  Tomorrow sees the 200th appearance of Stewart Fowlie in a competitive game for Spartans.  Despite living in London at the start of his Spartans career Stewart has rarely missed the game.  He has also been a regular starter in the Scotland semi pro team for the last three seasons. 

Stewart in action

The squad tomorrow includes Sam Woods with Daryl Devlin missing on holiday and David Etale out with illness.  Squad: Flockhart, Archibald, O’Donnel, Fowlie, Gerrard, Malin, King, Kader, Manson, King, Hoskins, Woods, McLeod, Walker, Preston, Henretty.  The ko is 2.30pm.

The 2nd XI have a massive East of Scotland Cup quarter final away to Stenhousemuir.  Manager Mark Lamb is missing Iain Cartwright through illness but Steven Bunyon is getting fitter with Michael Moffat also due to return from injury.  The ko in Larbert is 2pm.

The 3rd XI are in league action away to Redhall Star, ko 2pm.

Our school holiday programmes are in full swing.  Our Mini Dribblers, plus the Junior and Senior Soccer Schools are being enjoyed by over 50 youngsters.

scoring into a goal with a net - we wish we were 30 years younger

Academy Coaches Kenny Cameron and Debbi McCulloch supported by 1st XI defender Dan Gerrard are taking the various ages thru’ their paces.   The programme runs to the end of the week – the coaches are having as much fun as the youngsters.

more spartans strips than hibs or hearts!