Image Printers Cup Final Fever As Spartans Secure Victory in Semi

Posted on Saturday, February 22nd, 2014

Spartans are into the final of the Image Printers cup following a thrilling 2-1 victory at home to Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale.

Manager Dougie Samuel spoke in his programme notes about the strength of our squad and he put that to the test with a number of changes from last weekend’s victory over Vale of Leithen, including starting on form striker Keith McLeod on the bench.

The game was played at a frantic pace throughout and right from kick off Lothian set about using their pacey forward players to attack at every opportunity.  Willis Hare was first to have a strike on goal when he cut inside from the right wing and raced into the box. His low shot from 12 yards was easily collected by Scott Bennett in the Spartans goal.

Spartans took the lead in the 13th minute. Striker Chris Anderson played a neat reverse pass which allowed Jack Beesley to race free and wrong foot Lothian keeper Kevin Swain, before placing his shot into the bottom corner.

Lothian pulled themselves level in the 19th minute when Alan Brown was judged to have tackled player before ball on Lloyd Dignan and referee Lorraine Clark pointed to the spot. John Williams, a name more commonly known for another sort of score, stepped up and placed the ball into the bottom right corner, just beyond the reach of Scott Bennett.

Jack Beesley turned provider for the winning goal in the 36th minute. He collected the ball on the half way line, stepped forward and played a neat curling pass for Willie Bremner who struck the ball first time and blasted it into the net.

Half time: Spartans 2-1 Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale

The second half started much like the first and was end to end from kick off. Lothian had a dangerous cross cleared by Danny O’Donnell which allowed us to break free and seconds later Willie Bremner was denied by an excellent Kevin Swain save.

As the half progressed the visitors had Swain to thank for keeping them within touching distance as he made a number of excellent saves the deny Chris Anderson, who could have completed a hat trick!

Jack Beesley saw his freekick hit the bar while Kevin Motion’s set piece was deflected wide for a corner, the Spartans forwards claiming a handball in the box. The referee waved play on however, much to the frustration of the home players.

Swain then made excellent save to turn Jack Beesley’s strike round the post and from the resulting corner, did well to prevent sub Donal Henretty’s header crossing the line.

Willis Hare once again raced free as the game neared an end, he did well to take the ball past Alan Brown however his pass into the box was well cleared by Danny O’Donnell and we held on for a place in the first final of the season, and our first time into the Image Printers final since we won it in a 2-1 AET victory over Tynecastle in March 2011.

Full time: Spartans 2-1 Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale

Manager Dougie Samuel said after the game: “It’s great to reach another final. Today’s game was stop start and a scrappy affair at times. Lothian were positive ad committed players forward throughout. Both of our goals were fantastic, especially the 2nd. A great pass by Beezer to create it and a fine finish from Willie.”

Malt & Hops Man of the Match: Jack Beesley – 1 goal, 1 assist, 1 great performance. We’ll call that a hat trick. A number of strong performances today.

Team: Bennett, Cennerazzo, Brown, Sivewright, O’Donnell, Muhsin (Henretty), Beesley, Whatley, Bremner, Anderson, Motion (Grant) Unused: McLeod, Main

 


Next Fixture

                     
Date: 09/11/24
Opponent: Forfar Athletic
Venue:Station Park
Competition: SPFL 2
Kick off: 3.00pm

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