It was deja two for The Spartans as Blair Henderson and Sean Brown paired up to score their side’s goals for the second week in succession as Dougie Samuel’s side progressed to the 4th Round of the South Challenge Cup after a 0-2 win on the road at Haddington.
Over 300 spectators turned up in the East Lothian sunshine for the 3rd Round clash which was played on a delightful Millfield carpet against the East of Scotland Conference A league leaders.
With many fans having not even had a chance to bite into the much sought after pies from the catering hut, Jamie Dishington’s drive from the edge of the box was stopped by Dale Cornet between the HiHi’s sticks.
There was a mild appeal for a spot kick shortly after when the ball made it’s way into the home box, bounced around a tad and appeared to hit a defender’s arm but deemed to be accidental.
The East Lothian side’s Man of the Match Alassan Jones was quickly to be spotted as one of the dangermen and he had an effort blocked by Kevin Waugh which resulted in a simple enough save for Blair Carswell.
Michael Bolochoweckyj (we loved the PA announcer’s attempt – one of the best yet) was back in the Spartans defence and the former skipper was on hand to mop up a Haddington attacking move as the game continued to move from end to end.
With the game edging towards the half hour mark, Spartans took the lead. Cammy Russell’s pass found Sean Brown and as he knocked the ball past Cornet, he was unceremoniously flattened by the keeper and referee Williams made the easiest decision of the afternoon as he pointed to the spot.
Both players looked to have had the wind taken out of their sails, with the keeper taking significantly longer to get back to his feet. When he did, it was to face Blair Henderson who failed to let the delay in play hamper his quest for the net and he dispatched the ball into the corner with Cornet rooted to the spot.
Insult and injury combined, saw Cornet unable to continue and he was replaced by Robbie Stirling.
HT: Haddinton Athletic 0-1 The Spartans
The second half started where it left off with Spartans on the attack with Jamie Dishington feeding Sean Brown who saw his attempted pass to Blair Henderson break to Cammy Russell, but he could only find the side netting in his quest to put further light between the sides.
Cometh the hour, cometh the excitement that perhaps only goalkeepers can offer to liven up proceedings. Blair Carswell channelled footwork that wouldn’t have looked out of place on Strictly however having skinned Guy McGarry once, a second bite at the Haddington man saw him robbed of the ball, which ruffled the net. Thankfully for the Goalie it was the top of it and much to the disappointed of the home fans who thought it had found its desired destination.
With twenty minutes left on the clock, Spartans booked their spot in the 4th Round draw. Cammy Russell’s midfield burst found Jamie Dishington who then put Sean Brown into space in the box to drive low past replacement keeper Stirling.
FT: Haddington Athletic 0-2 The Spartans
Post-match, the Spartans players and management were invited back to the nearby Bowling Club for fantastic hospitality including doorstop sized slices of Margaret Reid’s sponge cake. The hosts tell us that Margaret’s baking has been ‘enhancing our post-match hospitality since 1987’. We’re gutted it’s taken so long to have drawn Haddington in a cup competition…
Malt and Hops Man of the Match : Sean Brown
