South Challenge Cup | Dishington double helps guide Spartans home

Posted on Saturday, March 12th, 2022

Spartans progressed into the Quarter Finals of the TradeRadiators South Challenge Cup with a 1-3 win on the road against Vale of Leven.

Blair Carswell took up a spot on the bench along with Mackie Scott, Chris Inglis and Sam Coats, all three fresh from their Under 20s win on Friday night against Bonnyrigg Rose.

Jamie Dishington reached his 200 appearance milestone and the playmaker was to produce a Malt and Hops Man of the Match two goal scoring display that impressed many within the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium.

Spartans had the ball in the net early on however it was denied by the flag of the far-side linesman who spotted Blair Henderson offside.

The next time the ball landed in the onion bag was to count however and a long ball from defence found Jamie Dishington who had the skill and pace to beat the defender and shoot past the keeper.

That lead wasn’t to last for too long. Strains of Arthur Montford “there’s a stramash in the six yard box” would have graced the commentary as the ball bounced around legs like doofers on a pinball machine and somehow it found it’s way past Newman and into the net.

A strong shout for a Spartans penalty came shortly after when Blair Henderson’s header appeared to be stopped by the defender’s hand. The Ref threw his arms by his side however and play raged on.

The hosts were living dangerously at the back. Great play by Jamir Dishington saw his shot diverted into the air by the outstretched leg of the keeper. The rebound was headed goalward by Sam Jones, only for it to be cleared off the line by a defender.

HT: Vale of Leven 1-1 The Spartans

The second half got underway and continued as the first half ended – with Spartans attacking. The heavy pitch curtailed the game as one with a lot of pace and understandably, there were some tired legs on display.

Scott Maxwell then sent in a telling low cross along the six yard area however it was just about cut out by a defender before it reached the awaiting Blair Henderson.

A short corner offered Rhys Caves a pop at goal only to watch it come back off the bar. The rebound bobbled about the box before being cleared to safety.

Sassy and classy Jamie Dishington then edge Spartans ahead for the second time. The double centurion controlled the ball at then edge of the box and curled the ball out of the reach of the flying Leven keeper.

Sam Jones then had his heels clipped as he advanced on goal and the Ref had an easy decision to make as he pointed to the spot. Blair Henderson stepped up and slotted away the penalty with aplomb.

Spartans made a couple of changes, Ian McFarland and Sam Newman coming on at the expense of Whyte and Caves.

Full Time: Vale of Leven 1-3 The Spartans

Malt & Hops Man of the Match : Jamie Dishington