Hay nets four as Lochar bale out of Challenge Cup

Posted on Saturday, October 15th, 2016

Super Sub Jack Hay opened his Spartans scoring account in style with a four goal Man of the Match performance against Lochar Thistle in the South Region Challenge Cup.

With a slightly later start due to International Football at Ainslie Park earlier in the day, there was little time lost in Spartans taking the game to their South of Scotland League opponents and after seven minutes, Craig Johnston – returning from suspension – had the ball in the Lochar net however he was adjudged to have been offside.

It didn’t take long before the loan striker made one count.  Scott Maxwell’s run into the box had defenders at sixes and sevens before enticing Kieran Krause into leaving out a foot that caused the Spartans man to head to the ground.  Craig Johnston stepped up and despite Darren Martin getting a hand to it, the ball nestled in the net.

19 minutes had elapsed when Spartans were forced into making an unplanned substitution with Jack Hay replacing the injured Dean Horribine.

Jack Hay, a recent signing from Gala, took just ten minutes to make an impact, scoring his first goal in Spartans colours to double his side’s lead.

HT: Spartans 2-0 Lochar Thistle

A flurry of activity in a ten minute spell saw Spartans put the game to bed and book their spot in the draw for Round 3.

First up came a goal, considered contentious by the remonstrating Thistle players, from Hay.  The ball hit the stationery striker who reacted quickly to open up and shoot for goal.  Despite the attentions of a defender on the line and claims for handball against the Spartans man, the match officials headed towards the centre circle.

Broque Watson replaced Scott Maxwell ahead of Spartans making it 4-0.  It was a hat-trick for Hay in the 64th minute when the on-fire replacement calmly stroked the ball under the advancing keeper.

Craig Comrie then came on for Jamie Dishington with the home bench mindful of an arduous test away to Huntly in the Scottish Cup next week.

Watson added to the Spartans tally as Lochar tired.  The teenager eyeing up an opportunity from the edge of the box and his well placed curled effort found its way into the bottom corner.

The goal scoring was completed with ten minutes left to play and it was the icing on the cake for Hay.  A through ball was latched upon however Hay still had to adjust and lob Martin who had gone walkabout off his line.

FT: Spartans 6-0 Lochar Thistle

Spartans: Carswell, Herd, Mair, Thomson, Townsley, Greenhill, Beesley, Maxwell (Watson), Johnston, Horribine (Hay), Dishington (Comrie).  Subs (Not Used) Ward, Stevenson, Gabiola, Rae.

Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Jack Hay.