2013, 3 Goals, 3 points

Posted on Saturday, January 12th, 2013

The Seniors have kicked-off 2013 with a well worked 3-0 win over Vale of Leithen at Ainslie Park.

With Henretty & Martin out injured and Manson on holiday, a reshuffle in the starting XI saw Grant return to action and Gilpin took over the gloves from Flockhart.

The tourists were involved in a goal feast last week, a 5-5 draw at Preston Athletic and whilst they would have been keen to continue their goal scoring capabilities, we would have welcomed their defensive frailties!

A respectable crowd, including Wolves defender Christophe Berra, braved the elements however things didn’t take long to heat up as Vale’s Sproule found his way into the referee’s book after only 3 minutes for a late challenge.

The visitors started the game well and at times ventured into the ‘red zone’ however O’Donnell and Grant put up the shutters early doors to prevent Gilpin having a busy afternoon between the sticks.

Beesley signalled his intent by springing the offside trap however his shot was saved. Bremner attempted an, at best described as adventurous 40 yard strike at goal then McLeod couldn’t get over the ball as his header went wide.

The Vale goal was leading a charmed life and with four minutes left before the break, O’Donnell rose like a salmon to get his head on the end of a Beesley corner kick. The ball sailed over the outstretched arm of the keeper into the roof of the net to give the big lad his first goal of the season.

Half time saw the Cafe area look like a scene from Selfridges on Boxing Day as the queue for a brew to heat up the faithful snaked out the door. The “No Bovril” signs up on the wall allowing an opening for the Chicken Soup to warm the cockles.

The second half kicked off as the floodlights came on and the mercury on the thermometer dropped. We’re not sure what was said in the home changing room however Anderson came back out like a man possessed, terrorising the Vale defenders with his jiggery-pokery around the box.

A 56th minute perfectly flighted free-kick by Beesley helped double the lead as McLeod saw himself in acres of space to bullet his header past the stationery Blaikie who could only watch it whizz past him.

McLeod then become poacher turned gamekeeper as his through ball in the 73rd minute to Beesley saw the crowd rise to their feet to celebrate a goal that would have graced any pitch in the land.

Beesley beat the offside trap on the edge of the box, pinned his ears back and as Blaikie rushed out to meet him, the Man of the Match delightfully flicked the ball over the outstretched keeper to cap one of his best performances in a Spartans jersey this season so far.

A 3-0 win stretches our lead at the top of the table to 5 points however Stirling Uni still have 3 games in hand.

Next week we are on the road to Gretna who will be keen to avenge to 4-0 reversal at Ainslie Park back in September. The bus leaves AP at 9.30am and supporters are welcome.

Malt & Hops Man of the Match: Jack Beesley – A brilliant performance from Jack who was involved in just about everything today!

Team: Gilpin, O’Donnell, Cennerazzo, Sivewright, MacKinnon (Martin), Grant, Beesley, Whatley, Bremner (Wringe), McLeod (Trialist), Anderson Unused: MacCuish, Flockhart

Today’s Central Taxis Premier Division results round-up:

Civil Service Strollers 0-2 Heriot Watt University
Gretna 3-0 Preston
Lothian THV 3-2 Whitehill
Stirling Univ 2-1 Edinburgh City
Tynecastle 1-2 Ed University