Spartans take giant step towards securing title

Posted on Saturday, April 12th, 2014

Spartans made another huge step towards the title following a 2-1 win away to Whitehill Welfare.

Much like our previous trip to Midlothian last month, it was blowing a hoolie round Ferguson Park.  Spartans started the game with the wind at their back in what were pleasant conditions overhead and underfoot.

Keith McLeod did well to force an early corner kick as Spartans started strong. Moments later the prolific striker was unfortunate to see his lifted ball over the keeper come back off the post and Whitehill were able to clear.

The déjà vu was uncomfortably strong in the Spartans support as Whitehill took the lead in the 24th minute.

A low cross from the edge of the box looks to make it’s way through to Gilpin in the goal however the keeper was caught out by a slight bobble of the ball and ended up fumbling it into the path of Steven Manson who had the easy task of putting the ball into an empty net.

Spartans pressed forward but we’re unable to make the most of the wind at their backs, until right before half time.

A long ball was laid off to the feet of Bremner and as he raced into the box he was brought down by Mike Bruce.

The referee took his far-side assistant’s advice before awarding a penalty however Bruce was only shown a yellow, much to the frustration of the Spartans players and support as it look like a certain last man tackle.

Keith McLeod placed the ball and fired the penalty high into the net to bring the game level in what was to be the last kick of the first half.

Half Time: Whitehill 1-1 Spartans

As the second half kicked off the Whitehill wind-machine appeared to have been turned down a notch or two. Whitehill however kicked off with intent and forced a couple of early corner kicks.

The home side were in control of the game and some defensive mistakes gave Welfare several chances to take the lead. Danny O’Donnell swung for a clearance however missed the ball completely, then moments later his pass back attempt was weak which allowed Andy Martin to poke the ball beyond Gilpin. The pacey winger looked certain to score however he decided to go to ground when staying on his feet may have brought him greater reward.  The referee rightly awarded a goal kick however decided to keep his cards in his pocket.

Danny Noon had a great chance moments later when Ross Gilpin’s clearance hit the back of Kevin Sivewright. The ball bounced to Danny Noon and only a last ditch tackle from Danny O’Donnell prevented him finding the net.

In the 71st minute however, Spartans scored what proved to be the winner. Jack Beesley’s free kick found Willie Bremner at the back post. He headed it back into the middle of the box where John Grant was able to control the ball and fire it into the net.

Whitehill’s task to get back into the game was made even harder in the 84th minute when Gareth Thom was shown a straight red card for foul and abusive language towards the stand-side Assistant Ref.

Spartans held on for the win which means that only Vale of Leithen can beat us to the Lowland League title on goal difference. The result is also the first defeat in 2014 for the Rosewell side who have been on superb form this year.

Malt & Hops Man of the Match: Willie Bremner – Instrumental in both goals and a superb battling performance from a player who has been in superb form of late.

Team: Gilpin, Brown, Cennerazzo, Sivewright, O’Donnell, Grant, Beesley (Ballantyne), Whatley, Bremner, McLeod, Muhsin.  Subs: Unused Anderson, Blaikie, Cunningham, Jackson (GK)