South Challenge Cup | Spartans bow out in dramatic five goal thriller

Posted on Sunday, October 13th, 2019

Dramatic last minute dead ball drama at the death saw Spartans exit the South Challenge Cup in a five goal thriller against Stirling University at Ainslie Park.

New Signing Jordan Caddow made his Spartans debut whilst Ian McFarland continued with the Captain’s armband in the absence of skipper Adam Corbett.

Spartans had the better of the early exchanges and within six minutes, they had taken the lead. Blair Atkinson with some nifty footwork and his low cross along the face of the goal for Scott Maxwell to knock home from close range.

The hosts looked to build on this and Atkinson cut through the University defence to set himself up for a shot only for the ball to go wide,.

Despite the dominance, the Students found themselves, rather fortuitously, on level terms when an in-swinging corner made its way into the net with the final touch coming from a home defender.

With the sides looking ahead to their half time oranges, Atkinson was once again asking questions and his neat run inside offered an opening, only for Kevin Walker between the sticks to be in the right place at the right time to collect.

Half Time: The Spartans 1-1 Stirling University

Just eight minutes into the second half, the pendulum of advantage had swung in the favour of the Students for the first time in the game – and it once again came from a corner kick, this time the ball was offered more air and it was headed home from six yards by Liam McMaster.

Moments later, the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Alex Webb was despatched by the Ref for a despairing last man challenge.

With twenty minutes on the clock, Spartans tied the scoreboard once again when a Gregor Woods corner kick was deposited deep in the box and Mikey Allan was on hand to get the final touch to send high into the net.

Before the restart, Nicky Reid and Cameron Dawson replaced Maxwell and Murrell as the Manager looked to introduce fresh legs.

Reid didn’t take long to warm the gloves of the goalie when his 25 yard effort proved a handful for Walker who could only parry the ball away but he was fortunate with the follow up which didn’t materialise.

Atkinson once again showed his pace to get in behind the Stirling back division. His cross was just behind Cameron Dawson who looked to adapt his body position at the last moment however his improvised back-heel effort went agonisingly wide.

Then, the drama. With the game looking certain for extra time, a Stirling free-kick was offered near the edge of the home box. Jason Jarvis stepped up and sent his effort clear of the wall and into the net, leaving Carswell with no chance.

Full Time: The Spartans 2-3 Stirling University.

Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Jordan Caddow