Lowland League | Hendo and Bolo combo sees Spartans complete comeback against Bo’ness

Posted on Thursday, August 19th, 2021

The Spartans pulled off the most dramatic of comebacks to recover from a two goal deficit and defeat Bo’ness United in a pulsating five goal thriller at Newtown Park.

With Sam Jones out due to suspension, Gaffer Dougie Samuel made some changes to his side for the inaugural meeting between the clubs in the picturesque town of Borrowstounness to give it it’s Sunday name!

The team made their way out of their temporary changing facilities, still in place due to Covid guidelines, out onto the paddock, as the golden globe of sunshine started to dip behind the stand.

An early run by Malt and Hops Man of the Match Mikey Allan, moments after avoiding a high toe near the head from Zander Miller, saw him whip in a cross only for the keeper to collect.

Ten minutes on the clock and the hosts took the lead in fairly flukey circumstances as Miller saw his initial shot saved by Blair Carswell but the rebound bounced off the Bo’ness striker and it landed in the net!

Spartans rallied and it was largely one-way traffic for the following 35 minutes as they pressed for an equaliser. Blair Atkinson with a couple of chances, one saved well by Murphy and another narrowly whizzes past the post.

Another opportunity, this time for Scott Maxwell, saw a header go wide then Jamie Dishington watched as a similar attempt hit the post, bounce on the back of the keeper then behind for a corner.

HT: Bo’ness United 1-0 The Spartans

Remarkably, just five minutes after the break, Spartans found themselves two goals down. Tom Grant going on a run and he nestled the ball into the bottom corner.

Spartans made a couple of substitutions as they looked to find a way back into the game. Sam Newman and Lennon Walker, making his debut following his recent move from Dundee United, came on to replace Maxwell and Atkinson.

A lifeline came in the 65th minute as Sam Newman fought hard to retain the ball close to the Bo’ness bye-line before sending in a cross for Blair Henderson to stroke home.

Another Newman cross found Lennon Walker in the box, with a headed attempt going over bar.

With 13 minutes left, it was all square. Mikey Allan’s cross was fumbled by Andy Murphy under his own crossbar and Blair Henderson was first to react, with his long legs reaching out to stab the ball over the line amongst a bevvy of bodies.

Then, with the game moving into it’s final stages, incredible scenes as Spartans snatched the victory.

Sam Newman took on his marker down the line, he sent a long ball into the box which found Michael Bolochoweckyj who calmly chested down and slammed home before wheeling away to celebrate.

Injury time saw nail biting and clock watching in equal measure and there was as much a cheer of joy as a sigh of relief when the Referee blew his whistle for the end of a dramatic evening of value for money, top quality, Lowland League football.

FT: Bo’ness United 2-3 The Spartans

Malt and Hops Man of the Match : Mikey Allan


Next Fixture

                     
Date: Saturday 6th January
Opponent: Peterhead
Venue:Balmoor Stadium
Competition: SPFL 2
Kick off: 3.00pm

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