Spartans Crowned Kings

Posted on Saturday, June 1st, 2013

Spartans secured the first piece of silverware for the club in 2 years with a 3-1 victory over Berwick Rangers Reserves at St. Marks Park today.

Willie Bremner, John Grant and Ross Gilpin missed out due to injury however Robbie Manson, Danny O’Donnell and Kevin Motion all returned to the starting eleven while Iain McTurk started in goal for the last time before leaving this summer for a move to play in College Soccer in America.

Berwick started well and following some early pressure took the lead after just 3 minutes when Kenny O’Brien fired low into the corner of the net from the edge of the box. The assistant linesman had put his flag up for offside, however the referee overruled him and allowed the goal to stand.

Spartans came into the game more, however struggled to create any clear shots on goal. Donal Henretty looked to be fouled in the box in the 15th minute however the referee waved the Spartan protests away.

Ally MacKinnon looked to be in trouble when he went down with an ankle injury and hobbled off the park following several minutes of treatment. He was however able to return to the game after a few extra minutes off the park. It turned out to be the right decision as a few moments later, in the 35th minute he headed home a Kevin Motion corner from 2 yards out to draw the game level.

Berwick’s challenge was made even harder in the 38th minute when they were reduced to 10 men as Grant McNicol was shown his second yellow card for taking out Andy Martin as he looked to race clear.

Spartans took the lead just two minutes into the second half in a repeat of the equalising goal. Another Motion cornerkick and again Ally MacKinnon headed the ball into the net from a few yards out.

It took until the 77th minute to extended the lead. Jack Beesley raced clear on the right wing and crossed the ball into the box. Keith McLeod, standing on the penalty spot, took a touch, spun on the spot and fired the ball low into the net.

Berwick were offered a chance back into the game just a minute later when they were given a penalty as Kevin Motion was penalised for a trip in the box. Josh Morris stepped up however his powerful penalty hit the post and eventually ended up in the arms of Iain McTurk.

Spartans held on for a deserved victory as the sun shone on the always impressive St. Marks Park pitch and Robbie Manson lifted the cup after the game, much to the delight of his team-mates and the Spartan Army.

Malt & Hops Man of the Match…..will be confirmed after the player of the season awards tonight as several players have 4 awards so far and today’s decision could decide the award for most MOTM performances.

Team: McTurk, O’Donnell (MacCuish), Cennerazzo, Sivewright, MacKinnon, Manson, Beesely (Anderson), Motion, Henretty, McLeod, Martin (Ferguson)