Under 20s | Dylan’s double whammy helps wipe out Welfare

Posted on Saturday, February 13th, 2016

A sensational second half display saw Spartans overturn a half time deficit to run out comfortable winners against Whitehill Welfare in the Under 20s League at Ainslie Park on Friday night.

Making a welcome appearance in Spartans colours was Scott Maxwell after a frustratingly long spell on the treatment table and Cameron Feather remained between the sticks following his namesake Rae’s dismissal at the same venue seven days ago.

The puffs of warm air from the mouths of players and the match official alike reflected the cool conditions at kick-off.  The temperature on the pitch not reaching fever point until the visitors made their first venture into the Spartans danger area and Daniel McKinlay’s cross-come-shot outfoxed Feather to land in the net.

Brandon Archibald came close to levelling procedures five minutes before the interval.  Nifty feet and a splendid turn followed by a rasping shot saw Welfare keeper Ben McGinley react well and tip the ball over the bar.

HT: Spartans u/20s 0-1 Whitehill Welfare u/20s

The half time team talk in the home dressing room from gaffer Les Atkinson seemed to reignite the fire in his charges’ bellies and from the restart there was a renewed enthusiasm in the Ainslie Park side.

That was reflected by way of a goal as Spartans grabbed an equaliser in the 57^th minute.  Anthony Laing’s dogged determination in midfield saw him win a 50/50 challenge before racing to the bye-line and whipping in a telling cross for Jonny Grotlin to tap home his 6^th goal in as many games.

Welfare where then dealt a double whammy just two minutes later when Spartans took the lead for the first time in the match – and in some style.

Man of the Match Brandon Archibald was the benefactor as he collected a headed clearance on the edge of the box and the big man let fly with an unstoppable volley that left McGinley grounded and the ball in the back of the net.

The two minute bish-bosh had Welfare on the ropes however the Mid Lothian men dug deep and refused to buckle as they looked to come back from behind.

That fightback was delivered a dent by Dylan Tait as the substitute finished off a fine piece of interaction between Jonny Grotlin and Brandon Archibald to put light between the sides with ten minutes to go.

Then, with the game entering into its final stages, Dylan Tait netted what was the pick of the five goals after racing on to a perfectly weighted Archibald through ball before sending the ball low into the net to make it 9 games undefeated on the bounce and keep Spartans top of the Under 20s league.

FT: Spartans u/20s 4-1 Whitehill Welfare u/20s