Under 20s lose out on Knockout final

Posted on Friday, May 13th, 2016

Les Atkinson’s Under 20s lost out on the opportunity to make it two Cup Final appearances in their rebuilding season when they went down 0-3 to Preston Athletic on Monday evening.

The Knockout Cup Semi Final saw the sides head into combat securing a win a-piece against each other in League duty during a campaign that has both clubs fighting it out at the top to claim the title.

With a chance at silverware at stake, both teams were keen to convert early possession into goals and the game got off to a frantic start.

Spartans were first to press, with a pacey run by Brandon Archibald who darted towards the bye-line to deliver a cross that was unceremoniously hoofed clear by an Athletic defender on the line.

The best chance of the half fell to Jordan Brown who was on the end of some fine one-touch passing and he was unlucky not to be able to squeeze the ball under the ample frame of Ryan Forsyth who raced out his goal to narrow the angle.

Half Time: Spartans u20s 0-0 Preston Athletic u20s

The second half was just six minutes old when the Panners took the lead.  A cross was chucked deep into the home box evading Jack Smith at the back post and Jamie Cochrane was on hand to scoop the ball high into the net from six yards.

The Spartans crossbar was rattled twice in as many touches shortly after as the East Lothian side looked to build on their lead.  Connor Brydon hitting the bar moments after an initial attempt on goal was denied by the woodwork as Preston set out to kill off the game.

That second goal was to come in controversial circumstances in the 65^th minute.  The Spartans keeper looked to have been unceremoniously clattered at a corner, forcing the keeper to the deck and in some discomfort.  Play raged on and the ball was prodded over the line whilst the home side – and their supporters – awaited the whistle in order to allow treatment for the grounded goalie.

It was to be a frustrating night for Atkinson’s youngsters, many of whom are playing in their first year at Under 20 level, as the physicality of the Preston side continued to cause problems.

Any hopes of progression to the Final were fully put to bed with 15 minutes to go when Aaron Moffat headed home a corner following a two fisted save from the Spartans keeper had denied Brydon from just outside the box.

Full Time: Spartans u20s 0-3 Preston Athletic u20s