Lowland League: Dawson delivers deadly blow to down Gretna

Posted on Saturday, August 24th, 2019

Cameron Dawson was the toast of the roasting Ainslie Park as the striker made an immediate impact in netting what turned out to be the winner in a frustrating ninety minutes against Gretna. 

New signing Leeroy Mokovora was named in the starting XI as Spartans looked to continue their positive opening month of the campaign. 

The opening exchanges were fraught and perhaps the heat had already impacted on some of the personnel on the park and in the technical areas as the Referee had cause to caution and have discussion with several throughout.

Spartans came close to breaking the deadlock when Nicky Reid forged open an opportunity and he could only look on as his thumping effort rattled off the bar. 

The half ended with a free-kick to the hosts, awarded after Neto was penalised for a hand ball offence that was akin to the 80s breakdance move ‘The Turtle’ as he spun round on his back, holding onto the ball in the process.  The delivery made its way deep into the box and Captain Adam Corbett wasn’t far away with his header that went narrowly wide.

Half Time: The Spartans 0-0 Gretna FC 2008

There was more than a feeling of deja vu after the oranges as Spartans continued to make the running in order to breakdown a stubborn Gretna who were looking for their first point of the season.

Gregor Woods had a sniff at goal shortly after the interval when he dragged the ball round the sprawling keeper but he’s forced wide of the target.  Unfortunately for Woods, his ball across the face of the goal had no takers.

With 20 minutes left on the clock, Samuel made a swap in personnel.  Some may call it tactical genius, I know I would…

Moments after being introduced at the expense of Bolochoweckyj, making his return from injury, Cameron Dawson made the ultimate impact.

Scott Maxwell laid the ball onto Gregor Woods out on the touchline.  Woods made space for himself to whip in a timely cross that was deftly scooped across the goalkeeper and into the opposite top corner to cue scenes.

This injected a turn of pace from the hosts and Scott Maxwell was next to trouble the Gretna goalie, forcing him into a full length diving save to turn the ball behind for a corner.

Spartans were then forced to see out their second game in succession with 10 men.  Leeroy Mokovora went on a mazy run before apparently being upended just inside the box under a challenge.  The whistle shrilled and all eyes were on the Referee running towards the new recruit, with home fans anticipating a spot kick.  Alas, they were not only disappointed, but dejected when the Official brandished the on loan Hearts striker a second yellow.

Gretna looked to capitalise on their numerical advantage however a steadfast Spartans defence held firm and it was a clean sheet for Blair Carswell and Dougie Samuel’s men held on see them leap to joint 6th in the table with 9 points out of a possible 12.

Full Time: The Spartans 1-0 Gretna FC 2008

Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Scott Maxwell