Lowland League | Double centurion Carswell’s clean sheet helps beat Broomhill

Posted on Saturday, August 7th, 2021

Blair Carswell notched up another clean sheet on his 200th appearance for the Club as Spartans made it four wins without conceding as they defeated 10 man Broomhill 2-0 at Ainslie Park. 

The match started in lively fashion and in fine conditions too with the threat of thunder thankfully failing to materialise. 

The visitors from the west, formerly known as BSC Glasgow, caused some early work for the home defence to mop up whilst a couple of runs for Newman down the wing posed a threat, however neither goalie found themselves being troubled. 

There was increased midfield pressure being applied by the home side but the visitors almost struck on the break, thankfully McNab could only drag his shot wide.

Incredible defending Michael Bolochoweckyj saw the man with the armband deny Monk who perhaps took a second too long to get control of the ball with an empty net beckoning. The visitors were to rue the opportunity as Spartans took the lead in the half hour mark.

Blair Henderson was on hand at the back post to knock the ball into the net after a sterling move saw Scott Maxwell turn provider for what was Spartans first goal scored in the opening half of a game this season. 

Half Time | Spartans 1-0 Broomhill FC 

An early warning of the danger the visitors could cause came nine minutes after the break when Spartans didn’t deal with a long throw but the shot was sent wide of Carswell’s post.

The game then took a twist as Referee Calder sent Broomhill’s MacCalman to the sheds after brandishing the defender with a straight red after he unceremoniously clattered Jamie Dishington and was the last man between himself and the keeper. 

There’s a booking next for Gray as he put in a decidedly ugly challenge in the middle of the park. He hurt himself in the process and had to go off after attention. He then re-entered the field without being welcomed on by the officials, however no further action was taken. 

Gregor Woods replaced Scott Maxwell midway through the half and he almost set up Henderson for a second with a cross field pass that the striker brought down but just couldn’t trouble the keeper.

Spartans did double their lead and they had to wait until the 69th minute to do so and it was in bizarre circumstances.

A throw-in back to the Broomhill keeper sees the goalie take a bad touch and Jamie Dishington swooped like a seagull on chips to win the ball and subsequently tap in to the empty net. 

Spartans had the ball in the net again through Henderson after Woods had his shot half saved. The man in the middle spotting an infringement, so the cheers turn to jeers in the same breath. 

Blair Carswell was determined to mark his 200th appearance with a clean sheet as he plucked the ball out of the air from a Broomhill cross as the visitors looked to salvage something out of the game.

As the game entered its final stages, Scott McCrory-Irving made his way onto the field as a replacement for Newman. Good to see Scott back again and in contention for minutes. 

Full Time: Spartans 2-0 Broomhill FC 

Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Euan Smith