Desmonds at Dalbeattie as Spartans and Star share the spoils

Posted on Thursday, April 4th, 2019

Jason Stevens and Cameron Dawson were on target as Spartans were held to a 2-2 draw against Dalbeattie Star at Islecroft Stadium on Wednesday night.

A 9th minute goal from Jason Stevens saw Spartans take an early lead however it was the hosts who went in at the break ahead.  Cameron Dawson was on hand in the second half with the head to bullet home the equalizer from an Aaron Scott corner.

At the third time of asking, this GeoSonic Lowland League clash was played – and to its conclusion – and the 60 or so hardy supporters on a cold early April evening were treated to four goals in a draw that would have seen the hosts happier with the point than the visitors who looked to be in control after taking their early lead.

Jason Stevens raced into the penalty box and whilst seasoned campaigner Vinnie Parker came out to narrow the angle, the striker managed to win the race to the ball and slide it into the empty net.

Midway through the half, the hosts – perhaps against the run of play – snatched an equaliser.  A corner was floated into the six yard box only for Blair Carswell to punch clear.  Milligan was hovering with intent some 20 yards out and he drilled low through a plethora of bodies to score.

Worse was to follow for the visitors as Ben Irving gave the Star a lead they were to hold onto until the break.

HT: Dalbeattie Star 2-1 The Spartans

Without the benefit of holding a glass against the away dressing door, the half time chat from Dougie Samuel was clearly direct – and brief – as his side were out some minutes before the hosts emerged as they refocussed their minds on the task in hand.

It appeared to work as within eight minutes of the restart, the scores were locked once again.  An Aaron Scott corner was whipped in to the back and Cameron Dawson leaped high and handsomely to head home.

Despite lots of pressure for the winner, the resilient home defence thwarted the hungry Spartans attack whilst it took a grand save by Blair Carswell at the other end to stop the hosts from gaining a late winner.

FT: Dalbeattie Star 2-2 The Spartans