Shire serve up narrow lunchtime friendly defeat

Posted on Saturday, November 30th, 2013

Spartans lost out to a 36th minute Kevin Turner header in their lunchtime friendly against East Stirlingshire at Ainslie Park.

The SPFL League 2 side were first out the blocks with Jamie Glasgow making his way into the Spartans box but his shot from 12 yards went high over the bar.

Willie Bremner came close with a header as Spartans looked to take the lead against their lofty opponents and Scott Bennett was forced into a great diving save to deny Glasgow as the game went from end to end in the low afternoon sun.

The visitors took a 36th minute lead when dangerman Glasgow delivered a perfectly weighted cross into the six-yard area for Kevin Turner to head home. 0-1.

Chris Townsley took a dull one to the face as he collided with Bennett in the box as the Spartans keeper pulls off a brave save to keep the gap at half time to a single strike.

Half Time: Spartans 0-1 East Stirlingshire

Donal Henretty came close shortly after the break as Spartans started the second half the sprightlier of the two teams. First up his shot rebounded off a Shire defender and the second stab at a shot saw the Spartans stalwart fail to connect properly.

Moments later, Henretty was close again however tight defending on the 6 yard box forced the striker to attempt an audacious back-heel instead of having the freedom to turn and shoot.

Beacher was put into the box in the 65th minute however he couldn’t keep his shot low enough to trouble Hay in the Shire goal.

Gary Cennerazzo thwarted Jordan McKechnie as the striker tried to make his way into the Spartans box in a valiant attempt to double the visitors lead. The defender staying strong before hoofing the ball away from the danger zone.

With the game entering its final stages, Mark Whatley’s piledriver from 18 yards warmed the fingers of Hay as the keeper pushed the ball round the post to secure a friendly win.

Final Score: Spartans 0-1 East Stirlingshire FC