Donal at the double as Spartans see off Students in Scottish Cup

Posted on Saturday, September 14th, 2013

Spartans earned their place in the William Hill Scottish Cup 2^nd Round draw with a 2-0 win against Edinburgh University.

A temporary TV gantry, sunshine and a lush green playing surface that would have been the talk of the chinos and white pumps of the local bowling club, all promised to make for a great Edinburgh derby at Peffermill, playing in front of a decent crowd.

Spartans started off the sprightlier of the two sides, with Beesley making room for an early attempt at goal however it was smothered easily by  Valentine in the University goals.

John Grant took a knock and he was forced to temporarily leave the field for treatment.  After the cut to his chin was attended to, his temporary bandage caused some amusement on the touchline, with a likeness to BBC’s Children in Need icon Pudsey being reported one various social media outlets.

Back with the game and the Students made a rare venture into the Spartans danger zone.  Unfortunately for Daniels, his shot from the edge of the box went wide of Bennett’s right hand post.

The hosts continued to threaten with the pint-sized Habata causing all sorts of bother on the ground, including a fine curling strike that was, in the end, comfortably held by Bennett.  The pacey striker’s work-rate earned him several plaudits as he covered almost every blade of lush green grass over the 90 minutes.

Beesley continued to torment down the University touchline and after being released by Henretty, he whipped in a delivery across the six-yard box, only for McLeod to blast over from four yards.

There were loud appeals from anyone and everyone in Spartans colours on and off the pitch as a Cennerazzo cross appeared to strike the arm of McFarlane in the box.  Neither the Referee nor his assistant deemed it to be a spot kick and play raged on.

Then finally, in the 35^th minute, Spartans gained a reward for all their possession. A Beesley in-swinging corner was met by Henretty who out jumped Sutherland & Ward at the near post to bullet his header past Valentine into the back of the net.  0-1.

As the first half drew to a close, Spartans doubled their lead with another for Henretty.  A MacKinnon cross was beautifully floated into the penalty area and from 12 yards out, Henretty beat Sutherland to the ball to steer his header past Valentine. 0-2.

Half Time: Edinburgh University 0-2 Spartans.

John Grant showed his pace as he headed to the changing rooms to get his injury dealt with and he trotted out for the second half without his additional headgear.

It was Grant who was in on the action not long after the re-start, going in the Refs book for a foul on Habata.  The resultant free-kick brought out the best in Bennett who tipped the set-piece over the bar.

Play was held up for a few minutes after Blaikie required treatment to a nasty eye knock after a clash of heads in an aerial tussle with Murray.

The Students refused to lie down and were using the fantastic surface to play some exciting football as they looked to grab a lifeline to keep their cup dream alive.

At the other end, it was a mazy run by former Student star Main in the home box which saw the defender twist and turn with some style before unleashing a strike that went a foot over the crossbar.

Anderson replaced the industrious Beesley who chased the ball all afternoon like a puppy in the park.

With the Referee having already had a look at his watch, Bennett was forced into action, tipping the ball over the bar as the Students mounted a valiant and final attempt to salvage a goal for their efforts.

The final whistle blew and with that, Spartans progressed to Monday’s 2^nd Round draw.  We’ll bring you news & reaction online shortly after the draw is made.

Final Score: Edinburgh University 0-2 Spartans.

After the game, 2 goal hero & Man of the Match Donal Henretty was modest in receipt of the praise his performance earned him, “2-goal hero?  Ha! I’m not too sure about that. It was two good balls in from Beezer & Ally, so I just had to get in there and get my head on the ball both times.”

The opposition also impressed Henretty, “Edinburgh Uni played very well today. We knew we’d be coming to a tough place today and they battled really hard throughout the tie.”

So, who would Donal like in Monday’s Round 2 draw? “I’m not really that bothered to be honest.  We’ll take anyone.  I’m just glad that we’re in there.”

Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Donal Henretty

Team: Bennett, Cennerazzo, Blaikie, Main, MacKinnon, Grant, Beesley (Anderson), Whatley, Henretty, McLeod, Brown.  Subs (Not Used): Ross, Bremner, Muhsin, Atkinson, Carswell.

Crime Count: Yellow – Grant