Scottish Cup: Clyde pay penalty as Spartans sink Barry’s boys in pink!

Posted on Saturday, November 1st, 2014

Two expertly executed penalty kicks by Kevin Motion, one in each half of a pulsating William Hill Scottish Cup tie, saw Spartans progress into Monday’s 4^th Round draw.

A crowd of 712 inside Ainslie Park saw Spartans take on League 2 side Clyde in Round 3 of the Scottish Cup with the home fans hoping for the day of the underdog to come true.

It was Spartans who drew first blood in the 14^th minute.  The quick footed Jack Beesley out-foxed Ryan Frances inside the Clyde box and it was an easy decision for Referee Stephen Kirkland who didn’t hesitate at pointing to the spot.  Up stepped Kevin Motion who sent Alan Martin the wrong way to give Spartans a one goal lead.  https://audioboom.com/boos/2613229-spartans-take-lead-against-clyde

A mix-up in the home box almost handed Clyde, looking resplendent in their pink away kit, the perfect opportunity to get back on level terms.  Ally MacKinnon and Kevin Swain leaving the ball to each other with Scott McManus almost capitalising on the dilly-dallying defence.

There was no hesitation from MacKinnon shortly after when his perfectly timed challenge in his own penalty box saw him get enough of his toe to the ball as Euan Smith looked set to pull the trigger with only Swain to beat.

Half Time: Spartans 1-0 Clyde

Listen to Charlie Mann’s Sportsound half-time round-up. “Beesley has been sensational for Spartans…” https://audioboom.com/boos/2613289-half-time-update-from-spartans-v-clyde (via North Edinburgh News)

Clyde pressed hard to get back into the game from the off however a mixture of resolute defence from the home team and lacklustre finishing saw Barry Ferguson’s side become frustrated along with the band of away fans camped behind Kevin Swain’s goal.

It was Swain who was called into action on the hour mark, substitute Scott Ferguson forcing the Spartans No.1 into a fine diving save to deny the visitors an avenue back into the game.

Alan Brown replaced Keith McLeod in the 65^th minute. The home crowd showing their appreciation for the talismanic McLeod, playing in his 410^th game for the club.

The Spartan Army were back on their feet just eight minutes later after Brian McQueen needlessly upended Willie Bremner in the box and Motion picked the opposite corner of the net to send Spartans 2-0 up and the home fans wild. https://audioboom.com/boos/2613324-spartans-second-goal-commentary

Motion was then replaced by Errol Douglas, with the double scorer leaving the field to a tremendous reception from the Spartans faithful around the Ainslie Park arena.

With five minutes left on the clock, there was further misery for the men from Broadwood.  After consultation with his far-side Linesman, Referee Kirkland ordered Clyde manager Barry Ferguson from the visitors dug-out.

Donal Henretty replaced Jack Beesley with three minutes remaining and he was on the pitch long enough to witness a stramash in the middle of the field that saw Captain Sivewright shown a second yellow for his part in the melee.

The dust had barely a chance to settle down before the match official put his whistle to his mouth for one last time and with that, Spartans defied the odds to march on to Round 4 of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

Full Time: Spartans 2-0 Clyde

An ebullient Spartans Manager Dougie Samuel said of the win, “It feels fantastic and it sounds fantastic.  The players thoroughly deserved their win today in what was a great team performance.  I thought we showed a lot of composure in the 1^st half when we had the ball.  We also created a few early chances which was good for our confidence and perhaps put a wee bit of self-doubt into Clyde, but over the piece I don’t think anyone would have any complaints about us progressing.”

Who would the Gaffer like to get in Monday’s draw?  “I’d love to get Hibs or Hearts.  We’re an Edinburgh based club, I think that would be great for us if we were to draw either of them.”

Listen to Dougie in post-match discussion with BBC Radio Scotland’s Richard Gordon https://audioboom.com/boos/2613415-spartans-manager-dougie-samuel

Double goal scorer Kevin Motion was quick to praise the whole team performance that delivered a crushing blow for Clyde.

“It’s a great feeling for the team, the staff – everyone associated the club.  I thought we deserved it.  Everyone to a man was brilliant.  Yeah, it’s obviously nice to score the goals, but it was a real team effort today.

“Swainy made an unbelievable save at 1-0 and the boys at the back were strong throughout the 90 minutes.  Clyde huffed and puffed but I didn’t think we were really under any pressure. I wasn’t worried about them scoring and it was a fairly comfortable win and one that we fully deserved.”

Who would Motion like in the next round?  “A draw against one of the big clubs would be another great day for the club.  Being a Hibs fan I’d love to play them, either here or at Easter Road.  An Edinburgh Derby would create a fantastic buzz, but we just have to see what the draw gives us.”

Spartans Team: Swain, Nixon, Cennerazzo, Sivewright (c), Mackinnon, Stevenson, Beesley (Henretty), Grant, Bremner, McLeod (Brown), Motion (Douglas).  Subs (Unused): Bruce, Beacher, Thomson, Carswell (GK).