Spartans progress to knockout stages of League Cup

Posted on Saturday, August 20th, 2011

The Seniors have secured a place in the League Cup knockout stages with a 2-1 victory away to Craigroyston.

We opened the scoring after just 8 minutes when Dean Hoskin’s freekick from the sidelines found Donal Henretty completely unmark in the box, who headed home the opener.

Scott Fusco, Chris Anderson and Jack Beesley all had chances as we dominated the first half, however the Craigroyston defense were working very hard to block any chances at goal and frustrated the Spartans attack all afternoon.

In the 40th minutes however the impressive defense fell apart as a slack passback was collected by Donal Henretty, who rounded the keeper and slotted home to make it 2-0 at half time.

The seonc half started with Spartans once again in control, however again a number of chances were blocked by the Craigroyston defence and an impressive one handed save from the Craigroyston keeper who turned a Jack Beesley strike onto the bar.

At the other end Chris Flockhart made a couple of impressive stops including a brilliant one handed save to prevent a Craigroyston headed ferom just a few yards out.

Craigy however got themselves back into the game with 10 minutes left. A long ball from the Craigroyston keeper found it’s way through to one of the Craigy subs who fired home passed the advancing Flockhart.

In the end we were able to just hold out to move to top of the Qualifying Group B Table on goal difference!

Malt & Hops Man of the Match: Donal Henretty who as well as his two goals played exceptionally well today. Did a great job of holding up the ball and winning headers to keep us in command.

Team: Flockhart, Bannon, Hoskins, Fusco, McKinnon, Dodds, Kader, Manson, Anderson (Sinclair), Beelesy (Thomson), Henretty (Finnie) Unused Subs: O’Donnell.

Mike Lawson shares his thoughts in what must have been the only windy part of St Marks Park today!!