King of the ‘hill

Posted on Saturday, April 27th, 2013

Spartans are into the King Cup Final following a convincing 3-1 victory at home to Whitehill Welfare.

Spartans opened the scoring after just 7 minutes when Keith McLeod’s cross from the edge of the 6 yard area was headed home at the back post by Willie Bremner.

The highly entertaining game was filled with action as both sides pressed forward at any opportunity. Whitehill felt Spartans keeper Ross Gilpin had handled outside the box in the 16th minute, but while their protests were waved away, a quick counter attack resulted in an unmarked Donal Henretty heading straight at the Whitehill keeper.

As the half went on Spartans were in control and deservedly extended the lead in the 37th minute. A deep cross from the left wing was headed back across goal by Keith McLeod and once again Willie Bremner was waiting at the back post, this time to poke the ball home.

Whitehill brought on Aaron Somerville at the break to try and spark some life into their attacks and he helped win a corner just seconds into the second half. The resulting kick wasn’t properly cleared and keeper Ross Gilpin had to get down fast to save Mike Bruce’s shot from a few yards out.

Spartans however went further ahead in the 57th minute. Kevin Motion set Robbie Manson free on the right wing with a perfect through ball. The Captain raced into the box and squared the ball to Keith McLeod who prodded the ball into the corner of the net from 10 yards out.

Whitehill pulled a goal back in the 60th minute when Mike Bruce once again got onto the end of a corner and this time managed to force the ball home from 4 yards out.

Malt & Hops Man of the Match: Keith McLeod – a brilliant, quintessential performance from the enigmatic McLeod as he created two goals and scored one himself.

Team: Gilpin, O’Donnell, Cennerazzo, Sivewright, MacKinnon, Manson, Bremner, Whatley, Henretty (Martin), McLeod, Motion (Grant) Unused: Beesley, Seeley, Ferguson