Spartans scoop South of Scotland Challenge Cup

Posted on Friday, May 14th, 2010

It was an exciting game in the very wet conditions at Tynecastle last night.

Gretna played very well and looked dangerous in attack all night.  We opened the scoring in a fortuitious way when their ‘keeper let a pass back from fully 40 yards slide under his feet after 20 minutes.

Ten minutes later we were two up when Keith McLeod slotted home from close range.  An Alex King shot had been handled on the line but before the penalty could be given Keith drove the ball home.

Dean Hoskins inswinging corners were causing problems as we continued to have most of the possession but Gretna are a good footballing side and were also causing problems.

The third was the goal of the came and it came on the hour mark.  Omar picked the ball up just inside his half and beat four defenders before lifting the ball over the advancing ‘keeper, the goal earning him the man of the match.

Alex King and Gavin Malin both missed chances from close range as we hit Gretna on the break but they too had chances.  One great drive hit the crossbar before they scored in the 87th minute following a corner.

The Spartans fans were in great voice all night culminating in a rendition of “we want a pyramid” when the SFA officials were being introduced prior to the cup presentation.

FT: Spartans 3-1 Gretna 2008

Team: Flockhart, O’Donnel, Hoskins (Fowlie 75), Gerrard, Sivewright, McLeod, King, Manson (McAuley 72), Archibald, Henretty (Malin 67), Kader Subs not used: Smith, Vinelli

The crowd was just under 500 which created a great atmosphere.