Spartans keep up title challenge

Posted on Saturday, April 11th, 2009

Spartans kept up their title challenge with a 3-1 victory over Coldstream.

Spartans made several changes to the team which lost to Vale of Leithen last week as the City Park side looked to make the most of the home advantage.

Spartans took the lead on the 25th minute. They were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. Dean Hoskins stepped up and curled the ball into the top left hand corner. Five minutes later Nicky Walker scored, with a wonderful half volley from just inside the box after running onto a great pass forward. The Striker looked delighted to score for the first time in several weeks to extend the Spartan lead.

Dean Hoskins hit the post with another free kick before recent signing Michal Opilka headed home a corner in the 41st minute to ensure Spartans had a strong advantage.

Into the second half and Spartans seemed to ease off slightly. With 4 games in 13 days McLeod, Walker and Henretty were all taken off to ensure as many players are kept fully match fit as possible. Substitutes Preston, Devlin and Malin struggled to penetrate a stubborn Coldstream defence. Even when the Borders side had to put an outfield player in goal due to an injury to their keeper, and even their manager having a take the field as the third sub, the Spartans attack struggled to create many chances.

Coldstream then pulled a goal back after a great run forward from left back McLean. He was played through and cooly slotted past the advancing Flockhart. Coldstream were then awarded a penalty with just minutes on the clock as nerves started to creep into the minds of the Spartans support. However the kick struck the crossbar and the game finished 3-1.

Spartans will now look forward to a game at home against Edinburgh University this wednesday evening. Kick off is at 6:30pm

Team: Flockhart, Archibald, Hoskins, Opilka, Gerrard, Kader, King, Manson, Walker (Preston), McLeod (Devlin), Henretty (Malin) Subs not used: Hair, Etale

Att: 131