Well hang on for wafer thin win in Tunnock’s Cup clash

Posted on Friday, August 9th, 2019

Spartans were narrowly edged out by Motherwell FC Colts courtesy of a single first half strike which sealed their untimely exit from the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup at the opening round stage.

The sun burst through Airdrie’s Penny Cars Stadium and in the opening exchanges, the biggest challenge for the Spartans keeper was to shield his eyes as both sides settled themselves into the game.

There was to be an early replacement for the visitors as Jack Smith went down chasing a through ball however before the substitution could take place, the hosts scored what turned out to be the only goal of the game.

A cross into the six yard box was initially saved by Carswell but he couldn’t keep a hold of the ball and it was pounced upon by Jamie Semple who hit the rebound into the roof of the net.

Before the restart, Max Ashmore entered the fray as Spartans looked to press for an early equaliser. 

Dean Hoskins was making some fanciful runs down the main stand touchline however his inroads couldn’t be matched in front of goal.

HT: Motherwell Colts 1-0 The Spartans

The illuminated floodlights welcomed the players back onto the pitch and there was almost a beacon of hope for the Ainslie Park side when Dean Hoskins whizzed in a low cross across the face of the six yard box but neither Scott Maxwell or Gregor Woods could convert.

The young Motherwell keeper then had his Manager with heart in mouth when he dilly-dallied on a pass back and for the sake of his shoelaces, Dean Hoskins almost robbed him off the ball.

On the hour, Cameron Dawson replaced Ian McFarland as Dougie Samuel looked to spice up his front line as Spartans continued to dominate the second half but found the elusive equaliser just outwith their grasp.

Arron Murrell then replaced Nicky Reid up top with just over 15 minutes to go as Spartans looked to salvage this Tunnock’s tie.

With the game entering into it’s final moments, Scott Maxwell was upended on the edge of the box.  The resultant free-kick cleared the wall, but agonisingly for the visitors, it hit the corner of the crossbar and with that, Spartans’ Tunnock’s exploits were foiled.

FT: Motherwell Colts 1-0 The Spartans