Late Currie winner joy leaves U20s dhansak on the ceiling

Posted on Saturday, February 20th, 2016

A late winner from Liam Currie secured a valuable three points in awful conditions for the Under 20s as they defeated BSC Glasgow at New Tinto Park to extend Les Atkinson’s sides unbeaten run to ten games.

Currie, together with Lewis Hall and Murray Hand, regulars in the Under 17s this season, were drafted into the depleted squad by Manager Les Atkinson who headed west with just 14 men in what was his youngest side put on the field yet.

In a first half of dipping temperatures and persistent rain, it was the hosts who headed into the sheds at the break a goal to the good.

Half Time: BSC Glasgow 1-0 Spartans

There was no let up in the winter conditions at the synthetic surfaced home of Benburb Juniors as the sides made it out after the interval, with 22 decidedly dreich looking players having undoubtedly enjoyed the fifteen minute respite in the changing rooms.

As the game pressed on, Spartans pushed forward and they were rewarded with a penalty kick equaliser from the in-form Jonny Grotlin who netted for the seventh game in a row.

The momentum swung in the way of the visitors and with just nine minutes left on the clock, up stepped 16 year old Currie who became the hero of the hour (and a half) by grabbing the winner and ensuring his side stay on top of the table.

Full Time: BSC Glasgow 1-2 Spartans

After the game, Assistant Manager Gary McClelland spoke of his pride in the spirit shown on the park from the largely inexperienced and makeshift side.  “Les and I are absolutely delighted with the result tonight.  With more than half a team of regulars unavailable, we called upon three of the Under 17s to step up to the mark – and they didn’t disappoint.  Everyone in our 14 man squad tonight dug deep and to turn round the half time deficit to secure a win on the road, this showed tremendous character on such young shoulders.”