Derby Day blues as solitary strike earns bragging rights for Civil

Posted on Tuesday, January 7th, 2020

In a derby match strictly for the purists, Spartans fell to a training ground corner kick move to kick-off 2020 with a narrow 0-1 defeat to North Edinburgh rivals Civil Service Strollers.

With the more than 260 fans inside the Ainslie Park ground, the teams were lead out with the Spartans 2009’s as Mascots before they assumed their touchline positions as ball boys.

Despite the billing, the opening quarter of the match failed to ignite, with niggling fouls and few opportunities forged.

The goal came midway through the first half. Strollers were awarded a corner and a quick ball made it’s way to trialist Archie Roue who sent a curling effort into the top corner from 18 yards.

Scott Maxwell came close to levelling proceedings shortly after but he was denied in the box by the outstretched leg of Josh Donaldson.

It was to be Maxwell’s final part in the game as he went off injured to be replaced by Jack Smith who was inches away with a lob effort over Donaldson ahead of the interval.

HT: Spartans 0-1 Civil Service Strollers

Dean Hoskins whipped a cross into the Strollers box shortly after the break. It found Aaron Murrell inside the box but the striker couldn’t pick it fully out from under his feet to get enough purchase on the shot.

Midway through the second half, Spartans swapped Blair Atkinson with Nicky Reid.

Jack Smith could count himself unlucky with what looked like a net-bound header, only for Callum Yeats to clear from under the crossbar.

As Spartans searched for an equaliser, there was a loud appeal for a late penalty. Ian McFarland earning a caution for his vigorous appeal.

It wasn’t to be the last time Referee Jonathan Gall brandished a ticket, when he offered 2 yellows for each side in the last 10 minutes, followed by a straight red in the 88th minute for captain Adam Corbett.

A challenge in neutral territory on the half-way line with Strollers goalscorer Roue saw Corbett’s foot raised high. It was deemed worthy enough for an early shower for the skipper whilst other commentators have noted the harshness of the call.

FT: Spartans 0-1 Civil Service Strollers