Single goal gives Gretna win in tight tussle at Raydale

Posted on Saturday, August 22nd, 2015

A single strike late in the first half was enough to give Gretna a narrow victory against a Spartans side who can count themselves unfortunate not to head back to the Capital with at least a point to show for their endeavours.

It was almost a dream start for Spartans within 60 seconds after Michael Herd’s cross was headed wide by Danny Main.

A carbon copy cross six minutes later from the same player found Aaron Murrell on the penalty spot however the teenager couldn’t direct his header net bound.

Gretna’s first opportunity of the game came on the quarter hour mark when Brandon Longcake rattled the bar from close range when it looked easier to score.

With two minutes left in a half largely played out in a midfield war of attrition, a long flighted ball behind the Spartans defence was worked back into the box for Darren Addison who put the hosts ahead at the break.

HT: Gretna 1-0 Spartans

A trio of early chances in the second half saw Dougie Samuel’s come close to clawing back Gretna’s narrow lead however a mix of fine goalkeeping by Vinny Parker and frustration in front of goal kept it at 1-0.

Jamie Dishington was next to test the busy Parker and he warmed the fingers of the keeper with a rasping shot from the edge of the box.

Aaron Murrell almost grabbed an equaliser in the final minute of the ninety when his thunderous strike smashed against the bar.

Unfortunately for the teenage striker and his side, the ball failed to breach the whitewash on its way down to allow Gretna to hold on for the win.

FT: Gretna 1-0 Spartans

Malt &  Hops Man of the Match: Dan Ward

Spartans: Carswell, Brown, Stevenson, Malone (Mair 81), Main, Greenhill, Dishington (Carmichael 81), Ward, Murrell, Thomson, Herd.  Subs: Sanderson, Trialist, MacKinnon.