Lowland League | Spartans share the spoils with Celts

Posted on Saturday, March 18th, 2023

Rhys Armstrong’s second minute strike earned Spartans a draw in their second top of the table clash in 72 hours as they met a lively Celtic B at Excelsior Stadium.

After a thrilling victory against Stirling University midweek, the gaffer made a change at the back with Kevin Waugh returning to the heart of the defence.

Spartans got off to a dream start when the ball was played into the box, Blair Henderson leaving it to run into the path of Rhys Armstrong who rammed the ball home off the underside of the bar.

Celtic rallied and their array of young talent looked to get back on level terms however they found the visiting defence in resolute form. 

A couple of home free-kicks were patiently played around with however there was no finished product, whilst at the other end of the field, Cammy Russell saw his effort go wide as Spartans looked to double their lead on the counter.

Another run through the middle from Rhys Armstrong after neat hold-up play by Blair Henderson saw Cammy Russell goes for a drive up the park but his shot just drifted behind. 

Jamie Dishington then came close with his curled effort that was inches away from finding the target.

HT Celtic B 0-1 The Spartans 

A long throw into the box by Cammy Russell was flicked on by Blair Henderson however there wasn’t a final taker on hand to send home as Spartans looked to double their lead. 

Celtic continued to press and stroke the ball around like a chessmaster directing pieces across the board, looking for that end game move however the defensive shift being deployed by the Spartans side continued to be equal to the task.

A Spartans corner then bounced around the Celtic box like a pinball hitting off the legs of a plethora of players. It finally fell to Blair Henderson who done well to get his toe to the ball but could only watch on as his shot hit the outside of the post. 

Sean Brown then came on for the industrious Blair Henderson before Ian McFarland swapped with scorer Rhys Armstrong with a quarter of an hour to go.

McFarland was in the thick of it shortly after when he put his body on the line to stop a shot on the edge of the box before requiring Sophie Marr’s magic sponge.

Then, deep into injury time, Celtic pressed once again, pushing the ball out wide and the low cross into the box took a nick before falling into the path of substitute Cummings who slid home from a couple of yards. 

FT: Celtic B 1-1 The Spartans