Scottish Cup | Spartans lose out at Linlithgow

Posted on Monday, October 24th, 2022

The Spartans exited the Scottish Cup following a disappointed defeat on the road at Linlithgow Rose at the weekend.

Both sides came into the 2^nd Round tie with momentum behind them with a winning streak each offering them hope and expectation in equal measure. 

The warm-up saw the rain fall in Linlithgow offering the grassy knoll a decent soaking making going good to soft come kick-off in front of a decent crowd inside the Prestonfield arena.

It was the hosts who came out of the blocks first and Malt and Hops Man of the Match Kevin Waugh had to look lively to clear up a couple of corners.

Rhys Armstrong’s ankles were offered some early treatment as the playmaker was given a welcome he’d have preferred not to have received on more than one occasion causing the ref to get his whistle wet in the opening stages.

It was a frustrating start to the game though as both teams looked to carve out openings and the conditions being as much of a leveller than the quality of play itself.

Cammy Russell let fly from 25 yards as Spartans pressed hard with the ball ruffling the net causing a bit of confusion in the stand with the angle offering some of the away support unconverted hope that it had slid in on the other side of the post.

The hosts took the lead with 10 minutes left til the break.  A long range effort dipped as it flew through a bevvy of bodies and it skited across the slippery surface to evade the outstretched Blair Carswell to nestle in the bottom corner.

In the early moments of added on time, the hosts were to double their lead, changing the mood music of the half time team talks for both Gaffers.

HT:  Linlithgow Rose 2-0 The Spartans

Spartans uphill task to remain in the tournament became one of a Himilyan proportion as within seven minutes of the interval, they scored their third.

A chance for Spartans to get back into the game fell to Jamie Dishington following the ball breaking to him after Blair Henderson was challenged in the box.  Dishington’s shot was well saved and a corner was the scant consolation on offer for his efforts.

Dougie Samuel rung the changes with Sean Brown and Bradley Whyte coming on for Sam Jones and Ian McFarland.

Sean Brown headed up the paddock to join up with Blair Henderson as the pair looked to forge open an opportunity however the Rose defence continued to deny the pair.

Then Michael Herd came off the bench to mark his 200^th appearance for the Club at the expense of Gregor Woods.

Bradley Whyte made a dart into the box and after lobbing the keeper he was clattered by the stopper but the shot went wide and the Spartans lad was left counting or rubbing his crown jewels after being caught by the toes of the Rose goalie’s boot.  A ‘dull one’.

Insult then followed injury after another long ranger weaved through a plethora of players and hit the away net to put the tie to bed.

FT: Linlithgow Rose 4-0 The Spartans