Ding Dong Derby Game Delight!

Posted on Saturday, November 9th, 2013

A single goal from Keith McLeod was enough to separate the sides as Spartans defeated Edinburgh City 1-0, in a tightly contested Derby at Ainslie Park.

Ally MacKinnon dropped out of the team following his head knock last weekend and was replaced by Danny O’Donnell in the only change to the starting 11.

A bumper crowd was in attendance as several boys from the 2006 group were at the game to support the team and take part in some halftime mini matches. Several players from the under 15s were also there in full voice, helping make a great atmosphere all afternoon.

After a frantic first five minutes, Jack Beesley raced clear on the right wing. His cross to the back post found Kevin Motion unmarked, however he scuffed his shot and it trickled wide.

Motion turned provider next as he did well to play in Willie Bremner. Bremner made room for himself in the box and crossed the ball to Keith McLeod whose header hit the ground and was cleared by the City defence.

On the half hour though Spartans earned a deserved lead. Kevin Motion raced forward with the ball through central midfield and played an inch perfect pass to the feet of McLeod. The on form striker took a single touch before placing the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

John Grant got onto the end of a half cleared ball to fire a volley at goal however the ball went straight into the arms of City keeper Alan Mackintosh while at the other end Ryan Wilson’s scuffed shot lifted high into the air and was easily held by Scott Bennett.

Dougie Gair had perhaps the best chance for the visitors just before half time when the ball was played to his feet inside the box, however when it looked easier to score he managed to lift the ball over the bar from just a few yards out.

Neither side were able to create many clear scoring chances in the second half. Mark Whatley had a header cleared off the line from a corner kick while at the other end Kevin Sivewright and Danny O’Donnell put in a number of important blocks to prevent City from having a chance at goal.

City piled the pressure on late in the game however the Spartans defense held strong, much to the delight of the noisy home crowd and move further clear at the top of the Lowland League.

Malt & Hops Man of the Match: Danny O’Donnell – a superb defensive performance from Danny who frustrated the City attackers all afternoon.

Team: Bennett, Grant, Cennerazzo, Sivewright, O’Donnell, Whatley, Brown, Beesley (Beacher), Bremner, McLeod, Motion (Henretty) Unused: Blaikie, Main, Gilpin