Lowland League | Blair brace leads Spartans to three points at Peffermill

Posted on Saturday, August 13th, 2022

The Spartans came from behind at a sun-soaked Peffermill to overcome Edinburgh University to secure a 1-3 win which saw Dougie Samuel’s side climb to 5th place in the Lowland League table.

After his midweek shift between the sticks and Friday night Under 20s clean sheet, Adam Meek took a deserved rest and Blair Carswell returned to his customary position as guardian of the goals.

The opening quarter of an hour saw Spartans camp inside the home half, shooting towards the goal where some 30 former University players were watching from the mound behind after their pre-match reunion.

When the Ref spotted a Uni player giving Blair Henderson a tug as he looked to get on the end of a move, the visitors were awarded a free-kick. Cammy Russell stepped up but his bendy effort had the keeper scrambling however it went narrowly wide.

With the mercury in the thermometer reaching 20 degrees, it was time for a agreed water break. A time to take on fluids and for the respective coaching teams to offer additional tactics.

It seemed to benefit the Students more than their visitors when they took the lead with ten minutes left of the half.

Spartans almost equalised ahead of returning to the sheds with Rhys Armstrong creating an opportunity for himself inside the box however he could only watch as his shot was semi-stopped by the keeper and hoofed to safety off the line.

HT: Edinburgh University 1-0 The Spartans

It took just two minutes after the break for the equaliser. Cammy Russell was fouled, not for the first time, and the free-kick to the back post found Jordan Tapping who nodding back into the path of Blair Henderson who poked home.

And within eight minutes of second half play, Jamie Dishington showed his acrobatic abilities by sending an overhead kick beyond the keeper into the net to put Spartans ahead.

Spartans had the bit between their teeth as they looked to add to their lead and close the game out. A great run by Jamie Dishington through the middle of the park allowed Cammy Russell to get in position to unleash a shot at goal, only to see it well saved by the keeper.

There was a second water break at the half way stage as the warm weather made for perfect spectating conditions but perhaps a little more draining for the players.

Drama followed in the 71st minute when Brad Whyte was shown a straight red for dissent and Spartans were forced to see out the game with ten men.

The numerical advantage however offer much by way of assistance to the Students and it was Spartans who netted next through Blair Henderson.

Henderson darted into the box between two defenders and was clipped along the way and the only direction of travel was south towards the lush green grassy paddock.

The prolific marksman dusted himself down and sent the keeper the wrong way to ensure three points were heading back to North Edinburgh.

FT: Edinburgh University 1-3 The Spartans

Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Sam Jones