Lowland League: Henderson secures point with late spot kick

Posted on Monday, November 8th, 2021

The Spartans remained in third place in the Lowland League after a spirited comeback against Stirling University that saw Blair Henderson’s spot kick earn Dougie Samuel’s side a share of the spoils at Ainslie Park.

Teenager Miko Komocki continued between the sticks whilst Mikey Allan returned to the starting line-up and there was a place on the bench for Mikey Herd following this lengthy time on the treatment table.

The match, sponsored by Invest Retire Protect, got underway in the finest of autumnal weather, with the wind picking up and swirling around inside the Pilton Arena.

It was the visitors who had the best of the early opportunities and came very close to opening the scoring when a fierce shot from Penker beat Komocki, only for the ball to rebound back into play off the post.

Scott Maxwell offered Spartans best chance of the half when he forced Fry into a decent save for a corner that failed to trouble the visitors.

HT: The Spartans 0-0 University of Stirling

It wasn’t the start to the second half that the hosts wanted as the Students nudged ahead moments after the restart. The ball was lost in the middle of the park and Stokes was on hand to finish off the move to make it 0-1.

Both Henderson and Russell had efforts in order to get their side back on level pegging however their attempts failed to trouble Fry.

Dougie Samuel rung the changes and Maxwell and Russell both retired to be replaced by Sean Brown and Sam Newman.

McArthur was probably considering his celebration when he was clean through and chipped Komocki who came out to narrow the Stirling player’s options. Luckily the back-tracking Gregor Woods was on hand to clear off his own line, much to the relief of the home support.

A fine run and cross by Dishington saw his delivery collected by Henderson who beats his man but his shot just fell the wrong side of the post.

Then, with the game edging towards the final stages, Sam Newman made a darting run into the box before being brought down and it was the easiest decision of the afternoon for the man in the middle.

Henderson stepped up and with calmness and precision, sent the ball into the back of the net from twelve yards to score and earn a crucial point.

FT: The Spartans 1-1 University of Stirling

Photos: 39 Design Photography and SW Photography