Under 20s | Lamont hat-trick guides Spartans to win over Seasiders

Posted on Saturday, March 4th, 2023

Spartans progressed to the 3rd Round of the East Knockout Cup following a 0-5 victory on the road against Dunbar United at New Countess Park.

Adam Meek returned between the sticks and Josh Laing took over the skipper’s armband with Sam Coats taking up a spot on the visiting benches.

A healthy crowd welcomed the teams and home mascots out on a fresh evening with a buzz of hope filling the Dunbar air.

The opening exchanges were as fast paced as the trains flying behind Meek’s goal frame as the home side looked to take the game to the visitors.

There was an early scare for the Spartans as the ball was sent across the face of Meek’s goal however – and thankfully so – the Seasiders striker couldn’t connect.

Then, with ten minutes on the clock, Spartans took the lead. A neat run by Given Ndlovu saw him get into the box and his pass was guided home with precision by Ben Lamont.

It was almost a second for the same player, only for the Dunbar keeper to pull off a fine save to deny Lamont his, and his team’s second.

Given Ndlovu was desperately unlucky not to score when he saw his shot hit the near post, roll along the line, hit the other post and evade all in the box to stay, remarkably, out of the net!

There was no doubt over the destination of the ball though moments before the break when Seb Mrowcyznski sent in a telling cross and it was a show of sublime skill by Given Ndlovu who cheated the ball down and sent the volley into the back of the net from six yards.

HT: Dunbar 0-2 Spartans

A double substitution ten minutes into the second spell when Sam Coats and Cameron Brincker replaced Rui Black and Mackie Scott.

Ben Lamont bagged his second and Spartans third with a neat finish inside the box after a bursting run by Sam Lovie down the wing.

A further brace of changes saw Harvey Young and Louis O’Brien swap with Jake Cunningham and Seb Mrowcyznski.

With twenty minutes left on the clock, a delightful corner into the danger area from Given Ndlovu was met by Josh Laing who attacked a ball with gusto and bulleted home with the head.

Just sixty seconds later, it was five. A fantastic move from deep and after several quick passes, including the final delivery by Cameron Brincker, Ben Lamont was on hand to net his hat-track.

It was Ben Lamont’s final input as he was rested with Freddie Wylie coming off the bench.

Perhaps a degree of tiredness and certainly the pace of Given Ndlovu saw Dunbar reduced to ten men when the Spartans playmaker was scythed down as he raced through the middle of the park and the Ref was left with little option than to offer an early shower.

FT: Dunbar 0-5 Spartans

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