Spartans Under 20s lost out to OG Broomhill in the Development League in a frustrating evening at Ainslie Park.

The opening two minutes of the game were played at a frantic pace, with the visitors enjoying some time in the Spartans half whilst at the other end, Seb Mrowczynski sent an inviting ball across the face of the goal and moments later Ben Lamont looked on as his shot beat the goalie and his near post. 

With nothing much to pick between the sides on league performance to date, the game wasn’t likely to be a goal-a-thon and both sides hunting for a way through to break the deadlock. 

Mackie Scott was chasing everything like a demented ferret, at one point almost losing his shorts as his marker had a clump of one leg in his hand during one challenge. A full moon over Pilton narrowly avoided! 

Sam Lovie was looking composed at the back for Spartans, sooking up the attacks and sending the ball back to where it came from as OG continued to threaten. 

Another man at the back, Chris Inglis, used his experience to win a free-kick just on the edge of his own box to bring a moment of calm to proceedings. 

A scramble in the OG Broomhill box saw a half effort from Seb Mrowczynski appear to hit the base of the post. It seemed to surprise everyone and it landed into the welcoming arms of the keeper.

With ten minutes left til the interval, the visitors capitalised on a rare defensive faux-pas and the ball was poked between defender and keeper to roll effortlessly into the empty net. 

The home defence looked shell-shocked and almost lost another moments after and then had to rely on a tremendous diving stop by Miko Komocki who reacted to a cheeky free-kick and pushed the ball over the bar at his near post. 

HT Spartans 0-1 OG Broomhill

Spartans set off from the outset of the second half seeking the equaliser. They started strongly, but maybe too literally as Given Ndlovu was pinged for a foul.

There was an early second half replacement for Spartans as Rui Black swapped with Cameron Brincker.

A long range effort from Ben Lamont saw the keeper get down low and punch away to safety. 

At the back, the Spartans defence was still having to work hard to keep the deficit to a single strike and Chris Inglis was required to use his experience to shepherd the ball out of play for a goal kick.

Seb Mrowczynski could only watch on as his header cleared the bar then Given Ndlovu couldn’t get the shot out from under his feet as the equaliser continued to remain elusive. 

Midway through the half, Les Atkinson made a further brace of replacements with Elliott Miller and Aaron Cameron on for Mrowczynski and Ndlovu.

The change was to an effective one as just seven minutes later, Spartans were finally on level terms. Aaron Cameron slid in bravely from six yards to nudge the ball beyond the keeper into the net.

It was almost a second shortly after when Rui Black won the ball in midfield, he sent Elliott Miller for a run to set up a cross for Ben Lamont had his shot saved. 

Unfortunately for the Ainslie Park side, the next goalmouth interaction was at the other end and the pendulum once again swung in the favour of the visitors who nipped in front of Miko Komocki and tapped the ball into the net.

Spartans threw the proverbial kitchen sink at Broomhill, including keeper Komocki who came up for a pair of last gasp corners in a valiant effort to salvage a point. 

Alas, it wasn’t to be and after five minutes of added time, the Ref blew his whistle for the final time. 

FT: Spartans 1-2 OG Broomhill 

Les Atkinson’s Under 20s moved up to 3rd place in the Development League Conference A with a dramatic comeback in a five goal thriller at Meadowbank.

It was Spartans first visit to the new arena with Atkinson looking for an immediate reaction following the previous week’s disappointing defeat to Albion Rovers.

It didn’t look overly likely to be the reaction the Gaffer was looking for when after just 16 minutes on the clock, the hosts took the lead. A long floated ball from the right was headed goal-wards by a City FC Edinburgh, attacker and it looped over Adam Meek and into the back of the net.

It didn’t take long for that lead to double and just four minutes later, a decent delivery into the box from a free kick out wide saw the home striker with the freedom of Meadowbank and he duly headed home from 8 yards.

The home side had as much hunger in their bellies as the neighbouring McD’s diners and they should have made it three on the half hour mark.

Two corners in a row saw Meek make a great save from a header low down to his right, before the second was headed just over.

Spartans however weren’t up for playing second fiddle to the junior citizens. A free kick from Max Williamson on the left found Ben Lamont and his finish nestled into the bottom corner.

HT: FC Edinburgh 2-1 Spartans

Whatever was said in the Spartans sheds at the break is likely to remain classified but it had the desired impact after the sides returned from the warmth of the dressing room.

A short corner from the right was swung into the box and found Ben Lamont who watched on as his long range header brought about a great save from the home keeper.

Then, just before the hour mark, things were all square. A telling pass down the left flank saw Ben Lamont send the ball across the box and Mackie Scott duly dispatched home to make it 2-2.

With the winner up for grabs and the Edinburgh derby bragging rights in the balance, both sides pressed however neither goalkeeper particularly troubled.

That was until the game entered it’s final ten minutes.

Spartans went on the move and Sam Coats was upended in the box leaving the Ref with no qualms over awarded the spot kick. Up stepped Given Ndlovu who sent the keeper the wrong way to net his 8th goal of the season and give his side the lead for the first time on the night.

Adam Meek was called up to maintain that slender advantage as he dealt with a free header drawing warm applause from the Spartans faithful in the ‘stand’.

As the sands of time ebbed away, Spartans were awarded a corner which Given Ndlovu showed maturity and clever game management by keeping it by the flag and with that, the game was done and three points headed back down the road to Ainslie Park.

FT: FC Edinburgh 2-3 The Spartans

Mintbox Removals Man of the Match: Rui Black

And finally… A doff of the cap to Aaron Cameron who made a mad dash to Meadowbank for a spot on the bench after not long landing in Edinburgh following a trip to Florence to watch Hearts in Europe.