Lowland League: Second half triple whammy seals win for Spartans

Posted on Saturday, July 24th, 2021

Spartans extended their Lowland League unbeaten run against Edinburgh University to 14 matches with a 4-0 win over the Students under a blanket of blue sky at Ainslie Park.

The hosts went into the break with a narrow advantage following a Sam Newman strike however 3 goals in a frantic five minute second half spell saw Spartans take the win.

Spartans made one change to the side that took on Rangers midweek with Gregor Woods replacing Alan Brown as Dougie Samuel set out to bounceback from Tuesday’s defeat.

Both sides had early chances however neither keeper was troubled. It took a desperate last ditch outstretched leg by University’s Alex Hamilton to put the ball behind for a corner as Michael Allan caused chaos down the stand side flank.

A quarter of an hour on the clock and Spartans took the lead. A deep cross found Sam Newman at the back post who composed himself before slotting the ball home.

University gaffer Dorian Ogunro will perhaps wonder what might have been as he looked on from the dug out as Innes Lawson looked set to level proceedings only to take a heavy touch and it was launched behind for a corner by a covering Spartans defender.

On the half hour mark Connor Barnes had to look sharp between the visitor’s sticks to palm a Sam Jones free-kick away from putting light between the sides.

Connor Barnes was once again called up when he stopped Blair Henderson, this time with his feet in the final play of the half.

Half Time: Spartans 1-0 Edinburgh Uni

Whatever was in the metaphorical oranges at the interval had an almighty impact early in the second half when Spartans delivery a triple whammy hammer blow.

In the 53rd minute, Scott Maxwell scooped his boot round a Sam Jones delivery to send his effort into the top corner then Blair Henderson stepped up to slot home a spot kick after Michael Allan was sent sprawling in the box by former Spartans Ali MacKinnon.

The scoring was completed shortly after when Sam Jones sent his 25 yard free-kick through the wall and beyond Connor Barnes to seal the victory in front of 177 supporters inside the ground.

Maskrey came close to grabbing a consolation for the Peffermill side when he lobbed Blair Carswell who came off his line, only for the angle to prove to be just too narrow and the ball hit the side netting.

It could have been worse for the Students as Spartans continued to press and both Blair Henderson and Jamie Dishington were unfortunate not to add to the tally in the latter stages.

Full Time: Spartans 4-0 Edinburgh Uni

Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Scott Maxwell