Two good wins, a disappointing defeat and a look forward to tomorrow

Posted on Saturday, February 13th, 2010

The Seniors and Juniors both recorded fine wins today.
The Seniors management rotation syatem saw Gavin Malin and Robbie Manson return to the starting line up. On a surface even worse than Motherwells neither team could get their passing game working in the first half. Gavin and Keith Mcleod came closest for us when both shot straight at the ‘keeper when through on goal.
We’re not sure what was in the half time cuppa or team talk but it certainly made the difference in the second half for us. We were sharper, kept the ball really well and looked dangerous.  Just five minutes into the seond half and after good work by Danny O’Donnel, Keith’s cross was nodded home by Robbie Manson.   The second came five minutes later when Keith ran onto a through ball and tucked it home.  Omar Kader struck the post as we continued to create chances.

Tynecastle stuck at their task and pulled one back with the last kick of the match when Mearns netter from close range.

Good performances from Dan Gerrard and Kevin Sivewright at the back although both were booked but the Spartans man of the match was Keith Mcleod who started with a petulant 15 minutes before becoming the match winner.

Team: Flockhart, O’Donnell, Fowlie, Gerrard, Sivewright, Archibald, Manson, King, Malin (Henretty 66), McLeod (Vinelli 87), Hoskins (Kader 72) Subs not used Smith, McAuley

The Juniors recorded back to back wins this week with a 3-1 victory over Broxburn United in the Fife & Lothians Cup.  Adam Perry failed a late fitness test with Iain Cartwright coming in as the only change from the seond half team which played in midweek. 

We started the brighter team and opened the scoring when Bannon laid the ball back and Young who fired into the top corner from 20 yards.
Midway through the first half the small crowd was treated to the goal of the game, unfortunately for the home side this was scored by Broxburn. Following a deep cross from the right, the Broxburn striker unleashed an unstoppable bicycle kick from 15 yards high into the corner of the net.

Broxburn started the second half the better team and an outstanding save from Paterek kept the scored level.

Spartans took the lead with 20 minutes to go following a mistake by the away defence. The Broxburn central defender dwelled on the ball and was tackled, the ball broke to Moffat who calmly placed the ball in the bottom corner.

Spartans passage to the third round of the Cup was sealed with 10 minutes remaining. Reid was fouled 25 yards from goal and Kenny Young stepped up and struck a spectacular strike high to the goalkeepers left.

It was not the best performance by the home side however the defence looked more solid than it has for quite some time.

Team: Paterek, Cruickshank, McKibben, Steele, Scott, Moffat (McLeod), Bannon (Robertson), Antoni, K Young, Reid, Cartwright (Baxter) Unused – Keeson, Trialist

The Amateurs unfortunately went down 2 – 1 to Tynecastle in the league, the winner a deflected 20 yard effort with 2 minutes remaining.  Ronnie Napier getting our goal.

Our EoS 19s are back in action tomorrow witha  crucial League Cup game against Easthouses at City Park.  The ko is 2pm with the winner going through to the semi final.

Our Sunday Amateurs are also back in action after the break caused by the weather.  They are in league action against Ryrie’s Alba at Saughton with a  3pm ko.