Greenhill grabs winner to beat the Bairns

Posted on Tuesday, July 21st, 2015

An 81st minute goal by David Greenhill earned Spartans victory at Falkirk Stadium in front of over 350 fans who took advantage of free football for all on a sunny Tuesday night.

Spartans, in their blue change strip took the game to a Falkirk side with a blend of youth and experience however the opening exchanges offered a midfield war of attrition with both teams cancelled each other out.

The hosts almost took the lead after Scott Shepherd found space at the edge of the box but his shot was gathered by Blair Carswell to keep his goal intact.

Thomas Grant was next up to attempt to breach the Spartans rear guard.  His impressive turn and shot from some 20 yards was a decent effort, only for it to clear the bar as Carswell looked on.

A timely tackle in the middle of the park by Ally Mackinnon prevented a siege on the Spartans danger zone after an adventurous pass by David Greenhill was almost intercepted.

The best move of the first half came from Spartans as Greenhill advanced in midfield before threaded the ball into the path of the pacey Aaron Murrell who could only look on agonisingly as his shot evaded the far post with Bowman beaten in the Falkirk goal.

HT: Falkirk 0-0 Spartans

Falkirk were quick out of the traps in the second half and it took the spread-eagled frame of an alert Carswell to deny Scott Shepherd from opening the home side’s account. It was one of a handful of fine saves from the Spartans keeper in what transpired to be an excellent clean sheet for the former U/20s shot-stopper.

Greenhill was unlucky at the other end of the field when he latched on to Murrell’s pass, only to find the Falkirk substitute keeper’s legs getting between him and the net.

Both Managers utilised their benches as the half progressed, John Grant, Keith Murray and Trialist B both getting game time after replacing Trialist A, Michael Herd and Murrell respectively.

Dan Ward was next to probe the Bairns defensive line after some neat footwork on the edge of the area, only for his effort to narrowly shave the bar.

Then, with the seagulls circling round the Falkirk Stadium like a scene from a Hitchcock thriller, a long ball through the middle of the field by John Grant was gathered by David Greenhill who composed himself inside the box before sending it into the back of the net.

It proved to be the winning goal despite Alex Cooper’s attempt moments after that required Carswell two bites at collecting the footballing cherry.

FT: Falkirk 0-1 Spartans

Spartans: Carswell, Herd (Murray), Thomson, Stevenson, Mackinnon, Greenhill, Brown, Ward, Murrell (Trialist B), Trialist A (Grant), Horribine.  Subs Not Used: Murray, Beesley.