Coldstream caught off guard by second half Spartans salvo

Posted on Sunday, February 28th, 2016

Doubles from Blair Atkinson and Brad Raiker added to by Mark Gair and Andy Howat saw Spartans hit Coldstream for six in the Central Taxis East of Scotland League clash at Ainslie Park.

It was a midfield war of attrition in the opening quarter however the game burst into life in the 25^th minute when the home side were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box.  Paul Dickson’s left foot effort came crashing off the bar and Mark Gair was first to react and headed into the empty net.

The visitors didn’t take long to restore parity in the scoreline and it was a historic moment for striker John Crawford who scored his 200^th goal for the Borders side, nodding a cross home at the back post.  His tremendous feat warmly applauded by all inside the ground.

Half Time: Spartans 1-1 Coldstream

It was a ripper from Raiker straight from the restart that saw Spartans restore their lead.  Fine individual skill from the talented playmaker saw him weave through the Coldstream defensive guard before executing a 20 yard strike into the postage stamp.

Crawford was to make it 201 goals in Coldstream colours when he turned Ryan Ward’s cross into the net with his head at the near post to equalise for the second time in what was turning into a terrific tussle.

Former Under 20s team mates Blair Atkinson and Brad Raiker combined in the 56^th minute to edge Spartans back in front – and it was a lead that they weren’t to surrender.

Spartans put further light between the sides after Chris Anderson set up Raiker who cut inside from out wide before stroking the ball into the far corner past the Coldstream keeper.

Atkinson made it five shortly after when he capitalised on a stray pass on the edge of the visitors box before beating the keeper in a one-on-one.

Andy Howat finished off a good day at the office with ten minutes left on the clock after the tall striker connected with an in-swinging corner to head home and complete the scoring.

Full Time: Spartans 6-2 Coldstream

Spartans XI: Cassles, Boyes, o’donnell, Walker, Dickson, Gair, Raiker, Atkinson, Maxwell (Howat 78), Anderson (C), Henretty, (Thomson78).  Sub (not used) Stewart