Qualifying Cup | Kev wins Waugh of the Worlds in Nitten sibling showdown

Posted on Monday, August 22nd, 2022

A wonder-strike by Sam Jones and a slick opener by Bradley Whyte either side of half time were enough to see Spartans proceed to the next round of the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup at the expense of hosts Newtongrange Star.

Former Star man Alan Brown was in the visitors line-up alongside Kevin Waugh who was up against his brother Dylan in the home side.

It was rumoured only Cher could turn back time however on the Spartans bench was former fans favourite Chris Flockhart, brought in as keeper cover.

The recent rain has allowed for some greenery on the surface however another few days of the wet stuff may have been needed to penetrate underfoot with the going most certainly of the ‘firm’ status.

Overhead conditions were blustery, observed by the trees swaying like your old man coming back from the pub at closing time.

Anyway, enough of this nonsense and on with the show!

Mikey Allan was up first to pose a problem with a strong run up the middle and his powerful effort forcing the Nitten keeper to push behind for a corner.  That was then whipped in, Kevin Waugh nipping infront of the goalie and it appeared to be guided behind again by a Defender’s head, but alas, the danger was halted with a goal-kick awarded.

Spartans continued to have the bulk of possession as they sought the opener.  Bradley Whyte’s lob effort was perhaps more in hope than expectation whilst a vocal contingent from the home support ensured the stand-side lino was aware of their consideration for his decision making prowess.

It looked like a stalemate was on the cards come the interval however it was Spartans who were to break the deadlock.

Bradley Whyte cutting across the edge of the box before wrapping his boot round the ball and sending an unstoppable drive beyond the keeper and into the bottom of the bag.

HT: Newtongrange Star 0-1 The Spartans

The opening quarter of the half saw little in the way of notable incident, save for perhaps an exchange of ideas between Kevin Waugh and the Ref over the legitimacy of an aerial challenge the Spartans man was perhaps unlucky to be pinged for.

With almost an hour played, perhaps an early contender for goal of the season paved the way for Spartans to be in the proverbial hat for the next round draw.

Blair Henderson was unlucky, not once, but twice, as bodies were thrown in his path as he tried valiantly to score.  The ball was cleared to just outside the box where Sam Jones caught it on the half volley and slammed it into the top corner.  He stood in suspended animation as the back of the net bulged and his team-mates swooped on him to congratulate a tremendous strike.

It was to be the last of the action for Jones who was withdrawn along with Scott Maxwell, making way for Jamie Penker and Gregor Woods.

A rare venture into the Spartans dangerzone almost came up trumps for the hosts and it was the width of the post that stood between an uneasy closing quarter of an hour and a clean sheet.

Further replacements came with fifteen to go. Cammy Russell and Rhys Armstrong – probably the last two players you’d want to see coming off the bench after running about in the sunshine – came on to replace McFarland and Dishington.

There was to be no additional goals and a rarity in talking points as the game closed out with Spartans shutting up shop at the back and it was another clean sheet for Blair Carswell, with father and former Newtongrange No.1 Alan watching on.

FT: Newtongrange Star 0-2 The Spartans

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