Muhsin nets something out of Nitten to earn Spartans draw

Posted on Wednesday, July 30th, 2014

A late first half equaliser from Sean Muhsin earned Spartans a 1-1 draw against Newtongrange Star at New Victoria Park.

The Spartans and Star fans were treated to an action packed pre-season friendly with both sides attacking from the off.

Gary Cennerazzo and Jordan Cropley were the early heroes, with both players clearing their respective goal lines within the opening quarter hour.

Spartans keeper Kevin Swain started where he left off against Morton last weekend, pulling off a series of first class saves.  His pre-season exploits have earned him the plaudits and he had to look sharp to save well from a Star corner.

The keeper had little chance with the home side’s 28^th minute opener.  Sean Jamieson ending a move that saw the Spartans defence admire the nifty Nitten footwork en route to goal.

Star couldn’t build on their solitary strike lead and with three minutes until the interval, Sean Muhsin got on the end of a Jack Beesley cross and volley hard and home from 6 yards out.

Half Time: Newtongrange Star 1-1 Spartans

The neighbouring fields behind the stadium entrance were illuminated by the late evening sun however it was Swain who lit up the second half with a series of saves that frustrated the Super League side who open up their campaign away to Penicuik next week.

Teenagers Brad Raiker and Blair Atkinson made second half appearances from the bench as Spartans Manager Dougie Samuel made his final series of match day experiments ahead of Saturday’s Lowland League opener against Stirling University.

Neither side could find the net as the light faded, with half-time substitute Errol Douglas’ late header which landed into the welcoming hands of Kieron Renton one of the best chances for the Ainslie Park men in the second stanza.

Final Score: Newtongrange Star 1-1 Spartans