BetFredCup: Spartans take Sons to spot-kicks in Group opener

Posted on Sunday, July 15th, 2018

Lowland League Champions The Spartans took Championship 1 side Dumbarton to a penalty shoot-out in the opening round of group fixtures in this season’s BetFred Cup after the sides shared the spoils after the regulatory ninety minutes at Ainslie Park.

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Having made a handful of selection changes due to availability challenges, Spartans could have been discounted from taking much out of the game against their loftier opponents.  Whilst Dumbarton pressed to take the initiative, Spartans looked dangerous too with quick defence to striker counter attacks seeing progress up the park made.

Unveiled earlier in the week as our latest signing, Gary Cennerazzo looked dangerous and was denied an opener in the second half. At the other end it took a fine stop by Blair Carswell to deny Andy Little to keep the scores level ahead of the penalty kicks which have been introduced to offer an additional point as an incentive to win the game.

The first four penalties were good, Barr and Paton scoring for Dumbarton with Stevenson and Corbett finding the net for Spartans.

Away goalie Adam save from McFarland and Gallagher made it advantage Dumbarton next.  Scott Maxwell was successful with his attempt before Hutton put the Sons back out in front once again.  Dishington needed to score to force it to sudden death.  Unfortunately keeper Adam correctly guessed to the left and dived to stop the shot and earn his side two points.  Spartans notched up a point for their efforts which will offer them a boost ahead of Tuesday night’s trip to Paisley for a shot at St Mirren.