Grotlin lob is just the job as Under 20s reach Challenge Cup semi

Posted on Saturday, April 9th, 2016

A Johnny Grotlin double and a late goal from Brandon Archibald secured victory on the night and across both legs as Les Atkinson’s side progressed to the Semi Final of the Challenge Cup at the expense of BSC Glasgow.

Spartans match preparations were hampered after a collision on the M8 saw delays en route to the west coast, leaving the side just fifteen minutes to prepare as they looked to build on the three goal 1st Leg lead fashioned at Ainslie Park seven days previous.

Despite the travel challenges, Spartans were first to drive forward from the green light of the Referee’s opening shrill of the whistle with Grotlin and Dylan Tait unfortunate not to extend the Edinburgh side’s advantage.

Indeed, it was first blood to the hosts after a quarter of an hour when Vince Newlands broke the deadlock.  That joy was to be shortlived however when a tame looking Grotlin effort seemed to catch home keeper Joe Wilson by surprise and the BSC goalie could only watch on in agony as the ball squirmed under his torso to make it all square on the night.

The 35th minute saw Spartans break from defence to attack with some gusto and it was a fantastic lob from 20 yards by Grotlin that sent his side closer to the semi final as it sailed over the stranded Wilson and into the welcoming vacuum that was the empty BSC net.

Half Time: BSC Glasgow 1-2 Spartans (1-4 aggregate)

With the pendulum of fortune having swung back in favour of the North Edinburgh side, it was a forty five minute period where the hosts needed to take immediate action to get back into the game.

A resilient Spartans defence, couple with some off-target attempts at goal ensured the scoreline remained the same until ten minutes left on the clock.

Tom Woods made it ‘Desmond’s” after a defensive lapse from the Spartans last line of defence to potentially set up nervous final stages of the game.

However, in a carbon copy of proceedings in the first half, within 60 seconds of BSC scoring, it was Brandon Archibald who put the icing on the Spartans cake when he rounded the keeper and slide the ball into an empty net.

Full Time: BSC Glasgow 2-3 Spartans (2-6 aggregate)


Next Fixture

                     
Date: 16/11/24
Opponent: Stirling Albion
Venue:Ainslie Park
Competition: SPFL 2
Kick off: 3.00pm

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