Under 20s | Spot-on Spartans earn win in comeback cracker

Posted on Monday, October 17th, 2022

Les Atkinson’s Under 20s moved up to 3rd place in the Development League Conference A with a dramatic comeback in a five goal thriller at Meadowbank.

It was Spartans first visit to the new arena with Atkinson looking for an immediate reaction following the previous week’s disappointing defeat to Albion Rovers.

It didn’t look overly likely to be the reaction the Gaffer was looking for when after just 16 minutes on the clock, the hosts took the lead. A long floated ball from the right was headed goal-wards by a City FC Edinburgh, attacker and it looped over Adam Meek and into the back of the net.

It didn’t take long for that lead to double and just four minutes later, a decent delivery into the box from a free kick out wide saw the home striker with the freedom of Meadowbank and he duly headed home from 8 yards.

The home side had as much hunger in their bellies as the neighbouring McD’s diners and they should have made it three on the half hour mark.

Two corners in a row saw Meek make a great save from a header low down to his right, before the second was headed just over.

Spartans however weren’t up for playing second fiddle to the junior citizens. A free kick from Max Williamson on the left found Ben Lamont and his finish nestled into the bottom corner.

HT: FC Edinburgh 2-1 Spartans

Whatever was said in the Spartans sheds at the break is likely to remain classified but it had the desired impact after the sides returned from the warmth of the dressing room.

A short corner from the right was swung into the box and found Ben Lamont who watched on as his long range header brought about a great save from the home keeper.

Then, just before the hour mark, things were all square. A telling pass down the left flank saw Ben Lamont send the ball across the box and Mackie Scott duly dispatched home to make it 2-2.

With the winner up for grabs and the Edinburgh derby bragging rights in the balance, both sides pressed however neither goalkeeper particularly troubled.

That was until the game entered it’s final ten minutes.

Spartans went on the move and Sam Coats was upended in the box leaving the Ref with no qualms over awarded the spot kick. Up stepped Given Ndlovu who sent the keeper the wrong way to net his 8th goal of the season and give his side the lead for the first time on the night.

Adam Meek was called up to maintain that slender advantage as he dealt with a free header drawing warm applause from the Spartans faithful in the ‘stand’.

As the sands of time ebbed away, Spartans were awarded a corner which Given Ndlovu showed maturity and clever game management by keeping it by the flag and with that, the game was done and three points headed back down the road to Ainslie Park.

FT: FC Edinburgh 2-3 The Spartans

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And finally… A doff of the cap to Aaron Cameron who made a mad dash to Meadowbank for a spot on the bench after not long landing in Edinburgh following a trip to Florence to watch Hearts in Europe.