Super sub O’Donnell inspires great comeback

Posted on Saturday, September 10th, 2011

First half sub Danny O’Donnell insired an impressive comback at St Marks Park this afternoon in the first round of the South Challenge Cup, helping us come from 2-0 down to Craigroyston at half time to win the game 3-2.

The same team started for the hitrd week in a row and we had an early freekick on the dge of the box which Dean Hoskins hit off the wall and out for a corner. At the other end Ally McKinnon’s attempted pass hit off the feet of a Craigroyston attacker which allowed him to run free. Ally did well though to track back and put in a great blocking tackle to prevent a goal.

Craigroyston however made the most of another defensive mistake in the 38th minte when Scott Fusco’s weak passback was collected by the Craigy attack and prodded passed the outrushing Chris Flockhart to make it 1-0.

Ally McKinnon picked up an injury and was replaced by Danny O’Donnell who played at right back with Scott Fusco moving into the centre.

As the defence were still organising themselves Craigroyston made it 2-0. Again slack defending allowing the home attack through on goal and to slot past Flockhart just on the stroke of half time.

We knew to get back into the game we would need an early goal, and that is exactly what we got when in the 49th minute, a cross from the left was met at the back post by Danny O’Donnell. He cut the ball back towards the penalty spot to Chris Anderson who fired home.

In the 58th minute we were back level. Great play from Omar Kader who maneouvered his way past several Craigy defenders in the box before his pass along the six yard line was knocked home by either Jack Beesley or one of the Craigy defenders. Jack was claiming the goal as his however I think the local press weren’t as willing to give it to him!

Just a minute later and we were then in front. Chris Anderson used his pace to get into spaceout wide on the left. He then send a pin point accurate cross into the box for O’Donnell, who had started his run from our half, to meet the ball and bullet a header in for the winner.

Both sides had chances as the game went on however we held out once again for the victory and will play Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale away in the next round of the cup.

Malt & Hops Man of the Match: Danny O’Donnell. The first sub to win this I believe but what a great performance from Danny who helped change the game for us.

Team: Flockhart, Fusco, Hoskins, Sivewright, McKinnon (O’Donnell), Malin, Kader (Bannon), Manson, Anderson, Beesley, Henretty (C Smith): Unused: R Smith, Veitch

Mike Lawson spoke to www.spartansfc.com after the game.