Jones at the double as Spartans finish on a par with Dunfermline

Posted on Thursday, June 24th, 2021

Sam Jones bagged a brace, both at the end of each half, as Spartans enjoyed a 2-2 drawn in the Pilton sunshine against the Fifers at Ainslie Park.

The SPFL Championship side’s fans welcomed new manager Peter Grant and his side almost rewarded the Fife faithful with an early goal when Dom Thomas sent a thunderous drive narrowly wide of Blair Carswell’s post.

There was drama in the 19th minute when Pars trialist Ali Omar was shown a straight red card when he hauled down Jamie Dishington on the edge of the box. Kevin Waugh stepped up with the resultant free-kick which was well saved.

Despite the numerical advantage, it was the tourists who took the lead. Debutant Nikolay Todoro setting up the tricky Kevin O’Hara who sent a cheeky chip home off Carswell’s back post.

With many of the few hundred fans in the stand eyeing up their half-time Bain’s pie, Spartans equalised with the final play of the opening period.

Sam Jones latching on to a pass into the box and he guided the ball beyond the advancing keeper into the empty net.

Half Time: Spartans 1-1 Dunfermline Athletic

Carswell, playing his first game after returning from injury suffered at Gala last October, had to look lively shortly after the break when he sent an Edwards effort behind for a corner.

The visitors continued to press however a resolute Spartans defence held firm. That came to an end in the 74th minute when O’Hara’s turn of pace saw him upended in the box and Dom Thomas dispatched the spot-kick beyond Carswell.

Spartans refused to settle for the ‘nice try lads’ plaudits against their loftier opponents and with the game heading into injury time, the ball broke to Sam Jones in the box. He saw his initial shot saved however he was first to react with the rebound and despite the efforts of Isaac Rice on the line, the ball crossed the line for his second equaliser of the night.

Full Time: Spartans 2-2 Dunfermline Athletic

SPARTANS: Blair Carswell: Michael Herd (Isaac Mackie 60), Kevin Waugh, Chris Innes, Michael Bolochowevkj, Gregor Woods (14 Trialist 74), Jamie Dishington (Matteo Crolla 74), Sam Jones, Blair Henderson (18 Trialist 74), Euan Smith (Alan Brown 42), Scott McCrory-Irving. Not Used: 21 Trialist
SCORERS: Jones (45, 89)

Match Photos on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=TheSpartansFootballClub&set=a.4022350451146217