Lowland League | Wilder scenes as Spartans see off Shire

Posted on Sunday, February 26th, 2023

The Spartans continued their winning ways with a 3-1 victory over East Stirlingshire, a win that saw Dougie Samuel’s side go to the top of the Lowland League.

With the new PA system in place, the pre-match tunes filled the North Edinburgh arena, with Kyle Paterson back in the saddle, no doubt bringing us his tunes following recent work in Ayia Napa!

There was an early chance for the home side after Cammy Russell launched a long throw into the box, but Brad Whyte’s effort was blocked the Shire keeper.

Cammy Russell then sent an angled shot flashing wide of the goalframe before the game turned into a midfield war of attrition, neither side making much headway

Jamie Dishington sent in a cross which was met by Blair Henderson. The striker could only look on as the header rattled the face of the bar before it hit the top of it before going behind.

Then finally, the deadlock was broken. A splendid Spartans move offered Jamie Dishington the opportunity to which in a cross and Cammy Russell lept to head passed the spreadeagled keeper to make it 1-0.

That Honeymoon period was, literally over, shortly after when a low cross was turned in by the Shire man to level proceedings.

A stramash in the Shire box followed when he keeper spilled the ball and Jordan Tapping wasn’t far away as he looked to divert home.

HT: The Spartans 1-1 East Stirlingshire

Spartans took the game to the visitors immediately after the break with Cammy Russell and Sam Jones coming close.

Then, the hosts were awarded a spot-kick however after a chat with his stand-side AR, the challenge was deemed to be a fair one and the decision overturned.

Into the final ten minutes and it was advantage Spartans. A corner into the Shire box was nodded on by Blair Henderson, Mikey Allan tried to get his head to the ball, only for it to hit a defender and when it fell to the deck, the Spartans man was quick to react and he drilled low into the back of the net. Cue scenes!

The drama wasn’t over and when Brad Whyte delivered a pass across the edge of the box, Blair Henderson was tugged back and as he fell to the deck, the Ref pointed to the spot. This time there was no debate and up stepped Henderson to secure the points.

FT: The Spartans 3-1 East Stirlingshire

Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Kev Waugh who was presented with his bottle of fizz by former Sheffield United gaffer Chris Wilder.