A vital point won, but feels like two lost.

Posted on Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

Spartans battled to a one all victory against a determined Whitehill Welfare side tonight at City Park. Keith McLeod started on the bench as Spartans made only one change following their defeat to Lothian Thistle on Saturday.

Spartans started playing up thie City Park hill and struggled to create many clear chances, Walker, Kader, Malin and Preston all had shots at goal but nothing ever tested the Whitehill keeper.

Whitehill took the lead on the 28th minute with their only opportunity of the first half. A mistake at the back by Archibald allowed the dangerous Gormley through on goal. He beat a tackle from Opilka to slot the ball past Flockhart to take the lead.

Spartans battled hard but struggled against a hard working Whitehill side.

The villagers started the second half with a more defensive approach as Spartans looked to take advantage. Opilka was swapped for McLeod as the home side went for three up front.

It took until the 70th minute to draw level. A paced corner was headed home by Preston, past the helpless Welfare keeper.

Whitehill had the opportunity to win the game late on as Gormley raced into a one on one with Flockhart, however his attempted lob was very poor and fell wide of the target.

Spartans now lie 3 points behind leaders Dalbeattie with two games in hand. This result means the league title could well go down to the last match of the league season when Spartans travel to the league leaders.

Team: Flockhart, O’Donnell, Hoskins, Archibald, Opilka (McLeod), Kader, Malin, Manson, Walker, Preston (Devlin), Henretty(c) Subs not used: Hair, Fowlie

Att: 186