Lowland League | Maxy reins in Colts at the double

Posted on Monday, September 2nd, 2019

A Man of the Match winning performance from Scott Maxwell saw him bag a brace to help steer Spartans toward what turned out to be a tighter three points than Manager Dougie Samuel’s would have wished following his side’s first half dominance at Ainslie Park.

Aaron Murrell also got on the scoresheet, ensuring the result saw Spartans leapfrog their opponent in the Lowland League table as sides look to jockey for position in the early part of the campaign.

With the first choice Tweeter out of the Country and replacements attending family weddings elsewhere, Club Chairman Craig Graham took over the keyboard in a valiant attempt to keep the masses informed.

Admittedly, a mix-up in comms meant that this wasn’t confirmed before Scott Maxwell had opened the scoring. Alan Brown cutting inside to allow him to roll the ball to Maxwell who took a single touch before unleashing an unstoppable drive into the bottom corner from 25 yards.

Corbett and Bolochoweckyj both picked up early bookings which meant they had to tread carefully for the rest of the game.

Leeroy Makovora offered some pace and direction to the home attack and he was unlucky a) when winded under a challenge b) seeing his pass find Maxwell who got a shot blocked c) having an effort of his own saved by the keeper.

He did however have a sizeable contribution in doubling the Spartans lead. The on-loan striker distributing quickly in midfield before Aaron Murrell took a sublime touch to shake off his marker to drive home.

With one eye on the Ref’s whistle, Spartans looked to be sitting in the comfy seat at the break when Maxwell nabbed his second – and his side’s third. Alan Brown was terrorising his man up the flank before Gregor Woods took over with Brown having been felled in the process. Woods squared across the six yard box allowing Maxwell to adjust his body before drilling past the stranded Jordan Grier.

HT: The Spartans 3-0 Cumbernauld Colts

The Colts came out of the second half stalls looking to sturrip a fightback and with just eight minutes gone, they reduced the lead via Martin Wright after the ball had been squared back.

With fifteen to go and a two goal margin become a narrow solitary strike following Stephen Tart sending his header into the net from close range. It set up a metaphorical grandstand finale.

Cameron Dawson and Murray Hand both had opportunities at one end whilst Blair Carswell made a key stop at the feet of an eager attacker.

A dangerous Colts free kick then saw Spartans live decidedly dangerously and thankfully Tart headed wide from five yards.

FT: The Spartans 3-2 Cumbernauld Colts

Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Scott Maxwell