Lowland League: Moment of controversy main talking point in Whitehill win

Posted on Saturday, October 8th, 2016

A moment of first half controversy was the main post-match talking point in a narrow defeat at Ferguson Park for Spartans who can count themselves unfortunate not to leave Rosewell without at least a point for their endeavours.

New signing Jack Hay was on the bench after his signing midweek together with a bout of man flu whilst Under 20s goalkeeper was drafted into the squad as cover for Blair Carswell.

It was Spartans who made most of the early running at a decidedly uncharacteristic ‘weather neutral’ Welfare paddock and Bryan Young between the home sticks had to look lively to push an 11th minute Scott Maxwell effort behind for a corner kick.

Craig Stevenson continued to torment on the far side and he was unlucky not to see his tempting cross headed goal bound with David Greenhill and Dan Ward sniffing around in the penalty box.

Jamie Dishington had the ball in the net on the half hour mark however the Assistant on the stand-side raised his flag without flinching to signal Ward had strayed offside.

With five minutes to go until the teams headed to the sheds, Referee Gavin Ross incurred the wrath of the travelling support and perplexed many others inside the ground when he adjudged Dishington to have fouled Welfare’s John Hall despite the home defender appearing to have made contact with the Spartans man inside the box before he landed the ball in the net.

HT: Whitehill Welfare 0-0 The Spartans

Dishington was once again in the mix shortly after the break when he found the welcoming arms of Young with a header after fine play by Craig Stevenson down the flank.

Dougie Samuel introduced new recruit Jack Hay ten minutes into the half followed by Jack Beesley at the expense of Dan Ward fifteen minutes later as he looked to turn the dominance of possession into points.

Unfortunately the hosts hadn’t read the script and it was an impact sub from the home bench who inflicted what turned out to be the decisive goal just minutes after coming onto the park. Kieran Chalmers watching his shot from the right hand side fly across the box before nestling in the opposition corner.

Spartans rallied and another save by Young this time denied Beesley from executing one of his trademark deadball strikes.  The ball was half cleared before being returned with interest only for Chris Townsley to head directly to a relieved Young.

The final replacement from Samuel saw Dean Horribine, sporting a ‘Keith Murray-esque’ beard, coming on for Blair Tolmie with ten minutes to go.

Despite further Spartans penetration and some ‘win ugly’ hoofs out the park by a somewhat desperate and under-siege home defence, the hosts held out to scrape through and take full points.

FT: Whitehill Welfare 1-o The Spartans


Next Fixture

                     
Date: 05/10/24
Opponent: Clyde
Venue:New Douglas Park
Competition: SPFL 2
Kick off: 3.00pm

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