Wind, snow and 3 points

Posted on Saturday, March 23rd, 2013

The Seniors secured an important three points with a 1-0 victory against Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale at Saughton Enclosure this afternoon.

The band of loyal Spartans supporters who braved the high wind, snow and Arctic temperatures left happy having been entertained in an end to end match.

We started strong and adapted to the conditions early on. Andy Martin’s pace was causing problems in the Lothian defense as players struggled to keep their feet on the slippery surface. Martin used his paced to create several crossing opportunities however with the wind having a big impact on the movement on the ball we couldn’t turn our possession into any clear goal scoring chances.

Lothian started to come into the game as the half went on. Craig Stevenson rattle the bar with a freekick from about 30 yards out however they too struggled to create any clear scoring opportunities.

We started the second half well however, and with the wind now at our back we piled the pressure onto the Lothian defense. Kevin Motion tested Lothian keeper Kevin Swain from 25 yards with a powerful strike and Keith McLeod fired in a shot from the edge of the box as we went looking for the opening goal.

It eventually came in the 63rd minute. Mark Whatley’s corner kick curled high in the air towards the back post and Ally MacKinnon was waiting there to head the ball into the top corner.

Sub Jack Beesley had several chances to extended the lead, the best of which when he rounded two Lothian defenders and lifted the ball neatly over Swain. The ball however skipped just wide as the frozen supporters had started to celebrate what looked a certain goal!

Lothian pressed forward as the game went into injury time however they found the centre half pairing of MacKinnon and Danny O’Donnell on top form and couldn’t find a way through to goal.

Malt & Hops Man of the Match: Mark Whatley – for an excellent performance. He battled all afternoon and got into some excellent positions.

Team: Flockhart, Manson, Cennerazzo, O’Donnell, MacKinnon, Grant, Martin (Henretty), Wringe, Bremner (Beesley), McLeod (Ferguson), Motion Unused: Sivewright, MacCuish


Next Fixture

                     
Date: 02/11/24
Opponent: Peterhead
Venue:Balmoor Stadium
Competition: SPFL 2
Kick off: 3.00pm

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