Hib, Hib, Hooray! Seniors in 2-1 pre-season friendly victory

Posted on Tuesday, July 16th, 2013

Spartans pre-season plans continue to take shape with a 2-1 win over Hibs u/20s at Ainslie Park on Tuesday night.

A late change in the starting line-up saw Beacher step up after Beesley was injured in the warm-up and is rated doubtful ahead of Saturday’s Ramsdens Cup return leg at Threave Rovers.  With the shuffle on the bench leaving a vacant spot, Cunningham stepped up to earn a place in the named substitutes.

Described by Head Coach Dougie Samuel as a ‘fantastic fitness exercise’ for this Lowland League side, the game sprung into life as early as the 3^rd minute when Anderson finished where he left off on Saturday by notching up his second goal in as many games. Picking up the ball on the edge of the box, the striker unleashed a 20 yard shot which sailed past Horne in the Hibs goal to make it 1-0.

A great save at close range by Bennett at the other end denied Cummings the equaliser shortly after as both sides looked to play an expansive game in beautiful mid-summer conditions at the Academy.

In what would have been a lot easier for many to have gone to ground and look for a penalty, Henretty stayed on his feet after rounding the keeper as the Academy side looked to extend their lead.

It was a belter from Beacher however that saw Spartans double the lead.  The new recruit from Edinburgh University let fly on the edge of the box and the ball sailed into the bottom corner.

A timely tackle by Whatley on his own 18 yard line denied Mulhall a great chance to get the Easter Road youngsters back into the game shortly before the interval, however it was Spartans who went in to the changing rooms 2-0 to the good.

Half Time: Spartans FC 2-0 Hibs U/20’s

Todd warmed the fingers of Bennett shortly after the break as the new Spartans shot-stopper pulled off a cracking save at his near post.

A trio of changes from Samuel saw Ross, O’Donnell and MacKinnon come on to replace Beacher, Main and Sivewright as the gaffer looked to give as many players game time as the backroom staff continue to manage the pre-season schedule.

MacKinnon’s first involvement of the game was to make a goal line clearance after Todd made a nuisance of himself in the Spartans box, causing Bennett to lose possession whilst attempting to clear his lines.  The young Hibs striker could only look on in agony as his net bound shot was booted to safety.

Mulhall finally got Hibs on the scoresheet in the 70^th minute as his strike from the corner of the box flew past Bennett.

The two-goal advantage was almost restored after Blaikie tormented the defence down the flank however his cut back across the six yard box could only shave Brown’s extended bootlaces and the ball agonisingly stayed out the net.

Final Score: Spartans FC 2-1 Hibs U/20s

Head Coach Dougie Samuel was a happy man after the final whistle and noted that the game was “first and foremost about getting the players fit ahead of the Lowland League campaign that begins on the 10^th August”.

However, there is the small matter of a Ramsdens Cup clash this weekend against Threave Rovers and he added that it was a “huge tie on Saturday with a great incentive to go down to Castle Douglas (no, not his house! – Ed) and win the game to set up a clash against the current holders of the Ramsdens Cup (Queen of the South) in the first round proper.”

Team: Bennett, Cennerazzo, Main, Sivewright, Blaikie, Motion, Beacher, Whatley, Henretty, Anderson & Brown. Subs: MacKinnon, O’Donnell, McCuish, Cunningham & Gilpin.

There are a small number of spaces for supporters on the team bus travelling to Castle Douglas on Saturday.  The bus will leave the Academy at 10.30am sharp.  Anyone wishing to travel should contact Director Dave Bryce on 07557 106374 or by email on dave@bwteq.com.