Lowland League | Derby delight as Dishington’s strike sinks Strollers

Posted on Sunday, January 1st, 2023

Jamie Dishington’s sublime 8th minute strike was to be enough to separate the sides and see Spartans end 2022 in winning ways defeating Civil Service Strollers in the North Edinburgh Derby.

Blair Carswell made a return between the sticks for the home side for the final game of the calendar year in front of a crowd of 375 who braved the chill in the Ainslie Park air.

Spartans attacked the Cafe end from the off stating their intent to take an early hold on the Hogmanay contest. And it wasn’t long before that pressure paid off, much to the delight of the Spartan Army faithful.

A tremendous turn of pace and gallop down the flank by Malt and Hops Man of the Match Cammy Russell saw the playmaker pass the ball across the entire edge of the 18 yard box where it was collected by Jamie Dishington who sent a delightful curled effort beyond Whyte to give his side the lead.

Strollers looked to get back into the game quickly but there was no way through the Spartans defence with Jordan Tapping putting in trademark telling tackles to thwart progress.

Cammy Russell then had a pop at one end before Blair Carswell needed to look lively to get down low to deny Faye from equalising.

Kevin Waugh came close to doubling the lead when he connected powerfully with the head from a corner, only for Whyte to be in situ to palm the ball away to safety from under his crossbar.

Half Time: Spartans 1-0 Civil Service Strollers

Spartans continued where they left off at the end of the opening half and Bradley Whyte was denied from grabbing a goal by a timely block after nipping in front of team mate Blair Henderson on the edge of the six yard box to test the keeper.

The two players combined shortly after and it was Whyte who supplied the cross for Henderson however there was too much air in the pass for the big number nine to make any headway in turning it into an attempt at goal.

Sam Jones replaced Rhys Armstrong as Dougie Samuel looked to freshen up his midfield and ensure the lead was maintained.

Jamie Dishington was millimetres from doubling his and the side’s goals for the day when a cross was whipped in towards the back post, only for the header to rattle the bar with force and incredibly stay out.

Sean Brown replaced Henderson as the game entered it’s final stages.

Cammy Russell had one final opportunity when he was upended, not for the first time, and after dusting himself down, he curled the ball beyond the wall and narrowly beyond the upright.

Strollers were awarded a free-kick as full time approached. The delivery sent into the heart of the home box, thankfully only for the header to fall into the bread basket of Blair Carswell.

Full Time: Spartans 1-0 Civil Service Strollers