SPFL 2: Russell integral in resounding win on the road

Posted on Monday, November 11th, 2024

The Spartans picked up their first league victory on the road last weekend as they returned to winning ways with a 0-3 victory against Forfar Athletic.

After kicking off November with a narrow loss in Peterhead, a second away day in as many weeks saw the Lothian Motorcoaches bus take the team to Station Park, a venue familiar for a plethora of players across both clubs.

Spartans were to go on the offensive from the off with Cammy Russell looking to get his side on the front foot early on.  His initial drive towards goal saw him attempt to whip in a cross to trouble McCallum in the Forfar goal however it was more of a challenge for the ballboy behind the sticks.

Brogan Walls did have an effort on target shortly after when his header from a corner was clear off the Forfar goal line which was already living a charmed life.

As play raged on from one end to the other neither keeper became particularly challenged as the ball started to suffer a migraine after being hoofed up and down the paddock with frustrating regularity.

Then, with half an hour on the clock, Cammy Russell was played into the box and had time to compose himself before sending a low drive beyond McCallum and into the bottom corner of the Forfar net.

That lead doubled just five minutes later.  The thorn in Forfar’s side, Cammy Russell, saw his fierce effort only parried by McCallum into the path of Brogan Walls who sent the ball back with interest into the empty net.

HT: Forfar Athletic 0-2 The Spartans

Spartans went on the offensive from the off as they looked to seal their first three points away from home of the campaign and Blair Henderson came close with an attempted shot which was closed down before it could trouble the keeper.

With the Forfar fans showing frustration, their side attempted to break down a resolute Spartans defence which was holding up well in the face of the home side’s search for a way back into the game.

Paul Watson was inches away from putting further light between the sides with his shot stopped on the line and in the subsequent stramash in the six yard box, Brogan Walls set the rebound over the bar.

Spartans made a change when Lewis Hunter replaced Aaron Scott.   Those personnel swaps were added to later on with Kieran Watson and Brogan Walls making way for Kevin Waugh and Jamie Dishington.

Blair Carswell had a quiet afternoon compared to previous weeks however he still needed to be on fine form when he had to look sharp to race off his line to offer a fine stop.

Then, with the game entering into its dying moments, Cammy Russell was upended by McCallum in the box.  Blair Henderson stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 0-3.

FT: Forfar Athletic 0-3 The Spartans

Malt and Hops Bar Man of the Match: Cammy Russell