Blair Henderson’s brace saw Spartans remain in second place with a 2-1 win over Gretna at a rain-soaked Ainslie Park.

Spartans Manager Dougie Samuel saw Jack Newman return between the sticks after securing another loan from Dundee United whilst there were spots on the bench for Under 20s players Sam Coats, Mackenzie Scott and Chris Inglis.

There was pre-match drama when Jamie Dishington was deemed unable to start the game and he was replaced by Sam Jones.

Ahead of kick-off, everyone in the ground fell silent to pay their respects to Iain Muirhead, the Chairman of Bo’ness United who sadly passed away the previous week.

The opening exchanges failed to throw open any clear opportunities as Spartans looked to continue their unbeaten Lowland League run which had reached seven games.

There was neat play between Sam Newman and Bradley Whyte with the latter whizzing a cross into the danger zone however there were no takers in front of goal.

Kevin Waugh was in fine form at the back, mopping up Gretna advances and putting in robust challenges along the way, including one that Ngoy clearly didn’t enjoy.

Then the rain came. And continued. The fans scurried to the top of the stand to keep dry and the floodlights beamed against the backdrop of grey Pilton sky.

Sam Jones sent a corner into the Gretna box with the lurking Kevin Waugh desperately unlucky as he watched his effort come back off the post.

There was a break in play as Euan Smith required treatment in front of the stand. He was assisted back to the sheds and Rhys Caves entered the fray.

Spartans were still on the offensive when Blair Henderson looked to have had his shirt pulled whilst seeking to make contact with a cross. Despite the striker’s remonstrations, no foul play was deemed to have taken place and almost immediately, Gretna went on the counter attack and a sclaffed shot from Robbie Ivison appeared to elude Newman and the ball slipped into the net.

With the game hurtling towards half time, Spartans were on level terms and it was hitman Henderson with the equaliser.

Sam Jones fed Allan Smith on the edge of the box and the neatest of touches saw the ball fall into the path of Blair Henderson who drilled home.

HT: The Spartans 1-1 Gretna 2008

Henderson looked as if he’d put his side ahead shortly after the interval when he popped up at the back post from a corner to tap home however the lino had other plans and the flag was raised to curtail any celebrations.

Midway through the half, Blair Henderson was on hand to get that second goal, a crucial strike that was to secure the three points in the end.

Despite a trio of Gretna defensive headers from a cross into the box to attempt a clearance, he ball fell to 5 who launched the ball back into the penalty area. Henderson nodding down to Allan Smith who laid off to the prolific striker who netted his 29th of the season.

Spartans made a 68th minute change with Mackenzie ‘Mackie’ Scott replacing Allan Smith up top.

The youngster almost made it a dream debut when he attempted to curl the ball into the net only for a fine fingertip save denying him.

FT: The Spartans 2-1 Gretna 2008

Blair Henderson collected his four match ball of the season as his hat-trick perfected a Spartans comeback against Broomhill FC in Alloa.

It was an unchanged starting XI chosen by Dougie Samuel from last week’s win over Strollers that took to the field at what was a decidedly blowy Indodrill Stadium.

The opening ten minutes saw the sides look to gauge the conditions, with the ball at times akin to the 99p float-a-away your Mum bought you at the seaside on your summer holidays.

There then followed a five minute period that saw the hosts race to a 3-0 lead. First up was a free-kick from 20 yards that was despatched directly by Evan Maley.

Next, it was a tap-in for Fin Gray after a second Maley dead ball effort wasn’t held by Miko Komocki in the wind. The final blow came moments later when Maley was once again the architect with a cross that found Connor Smith who drilled home despite calls for offside from Spartans defenders.

The Broomhill media team were looking at the ‘gone with the wind / blown away’ style headlines for sure by this point but could Spartans get their nose back in it before the break?

Thankfully yes and it was Blair Henderson at the back post who headed home to reduce the deficit to offer a glimmer of hope.

HT: Broomhill FC 3-1 The Spartans

Spartans started the livelier of the two sides after the break with both Jamie Dishington and Cammy Russell tormented the home defence.

There was a lengthy delay just before the hour as Broomhill’s Connor Smith required treatment for a head knock. Both technical areas were quick to race onto the pitch to offer their assistance and post-match, the hosts informed social media that the player had left hospital following a precautionary check-up.

With twenty five minutes left, Spartans made a double change with Sam Newman and Allan Smith replacing Scott Maxwell and Sam Jones.

When Cammy Russell was upended in the box in the 70th minute, Blair Henderson stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way from twelve yards to set up, as cliches would have it, a ‘grandstand finale’.

8 additional minutes were still to play for, as was an equaliser. Mikey Herd launched a long ball to the edge of the Broomhill box, it was chested down by the alert Blair Henderson who took a touch before sliding under the advancing keeper to make it 3-3.

Then, deep into injury time, Broomhill were reduced to 10 men however there wasn’t enough on the clock to allow Spartans to benefit from the numerical advantage to seek a winner.

FT: Broomhill FC 3-3 The Spartans