Whyte bangs in a belter as honours even against Tranent

Posted on Sunday, November 13th, 2022

Bradley Whyte’s second half direct strike from a tantalising in-swinging corner kick saw Spartans share the spoils against Tranent in the Lowland League match of the day at Ainslie Park.

There was a first competitive start at the back from Under 20s defender Josh Laing, another fine product from the Academy pathway programme whilst Sean Brown returned to the bench.

Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh was amongst those inside Ainslie Park for the match, as were a group of Swedish football fans who made a trip to the capital to watch the game.  Also in attendance once again was our esteemed Luxembourg Supporters Club.

The home side emerged from the sheds complete with a plethora of mascots from the Under 14s side who, under an exciting new project involving the Youth Section, are one of several teams who will be named after 1^st team players.  This team are the first to be unveiled and will be our Under 14s Dishington side.

Ahead of kick-off, both teams, mascots and a healthy attendance inside Ainslie Park stood silent to remember those who paid the ultimate price as part of Remembrance commemorations being held this weekend.

There was less than a minute on the clock before play had to be stopped by Referee George Calder as Kevin Waugh received treatment for a cut on his cheek after a clash in the air.

It was a cagey affair in the opening stages.  A free-kick for the visitors saw some mountaineering up the back of Blair Henderson whilst at the other end, Jamie Dishington, cheered on by the enthusiastic band of youngsters, released Cammy Russell who saw his shot comfortably saved.

Long ball over the top by Josh Laing defender saw Tranent keeper Kelby Mason and defender Euan Bald combine to block Blair Henderson.  Mason was then quick to react to dive at the feet of Cammy Russell to smother the ball.

With five minutes left to the break, the hosts took the lead.  A corner whipped into the crowded six yard after saw Blair Carswell crowded out as he attempted to punch the ball clear and it fell to Cammy Ross who managed to sneak the ball inside the post.

Spartans rallied and a cross into the box saw Blair Henderson rise and his downward header was saved by Mason.

HT: Spartans 0-1 Tranent Juniors

There were no changes at the break and Kevin Waugh returned from the sheds with a shiner developing under his eye from the earlier knock.

Former Spartans player Nicky Reid was to have an early effort which saw Blair Carswell produce a fine diving save to deny a successful return to Ainslie Park.

A double Spartans substitution on the hour mark saw Sean Brown and Sam Jones enter the field with Cammy Russell and Ian McFarland making way.

Then, midway through the half, Spartans levelled proceedings in extraordinary circumstances.

Bradley Whyte shaped up for a corner and his in-swinger took everyone by surprise and managed to avoid the leaping Kieran Somerville at the far post to hit the back of the net.  Cue scenes behind the goal as the youngsters went wild as Whyte wheeled away to celebrate in front of the stand. 

It was almost a second shortly after when Mikey Allan muscled in and head towards the goal. Kelby Mason didn’t know much about it as he saved the ball with his face before recovering the ball as Sean Brown looked to pick up the scraps.

With both teams pressing for the winner, it was a real heart in mouths moment in the dying stages when the visitors went on the counter and the effort hit Blair Carswell’s crossbar and behind.

Then, with seconds left on the clock, Rhys Armstrong was played into the box only for him to send his shot narrowly wide.

A dramatic final few minutes in a pulsating encounter where honours were, on balance, fairly even.

FT: The Spartans 1-1 Tranent Juniors