Football Nation Cup: Spartans avoid grief in ‘Beath as Greenhill hat-trick floors Fifers

Posted on Sunday, August 19th, 2018

For the second time in a few days, banana skins and Spartans were interested bedfellows as the Ainslie Park side headed across the Forth to take on East of Scotland outfit Hill of Beath Hawthorn in the Football Nation Qualifying Cup 2nd Round.

The playing surface at the Fifer’s ground looked enjoyable for fast flowing football and within the opening few minutes, Steven MacDonald took aim however his 25 yard effort flew over the bar.

It was advantage Beath on the quarter hour mark when Adamson broke free before rounding Costello and slide home, much to the delight of the home support.  Willie Bremner was almost immediate with the response but could only send the ball over from eight yards.

The complexion of the game changed dramatically with three goals in just ten minutes had the hosts on the ropes ahead of the half time oranges.

Craig Stevenson’s pass gave David Greenhill the chance to launch an unstoppable 25 yarder to level proceedings then just two minutes later, it was the same provider who set up a second as his corner was met by the head of Willie Bremner who flicked home.

With five minutes to go until the break, the planned team talks were to be reviewed as Spartans put further light between the sides. Mikey Herd’s cross struck a stricken Fifer on the hand and the Ref had little option that to point to the spot. Up stepped Greenhill who netted despite the valiant effort of the keeper.

Half Time: Hill of Beath 1-3 Spartans

The second half saw the hosts with the wind at their backs and within two minutes of the restart, they also had some in their sails.  Harrower found himself in space from a corner and he welcomed the opportunity to nod home relatively unchallenged.

It was almost all square once again two minutes later but for a fine save by Costello between the Spartans sticks denied the Fifers who were increasingly growing in confidence.

Spartans rung the changes. Cennerazzo and Dishington coming on for MacDonald and Stevens respectively.  A third change was imposed upon the visitors when Scott Maxwell was treated for a knock and unable to continue with Jack Smith replacing him.

Adam Corbett came close to restoring the two goal advantage only to see his header we’ll saved by the home shot stopper.

That goal was to come with ten minutes left. Jack Smith was the victim of a pull back by Reid inside the penalty box. Reid paid the ultimate price, much to the frustration of the home support, when he was sent to the sheds as a result of his transgression.

Malt and Hops Man of the Match David Greenhill stepped him and calmly slotted home from 12 yards to notch up his hat-trick, securing Spartans place in the Football Nation Qualifying Cup 3rd Round draw in the process.

Full Time: Hill of Beath Hawthorn 2-4 Spartans