27th October 2018. The Spartans v Edusport Academy. 1-1
First time I have been at Spartans for weeks. As usual walked to Ainslie Park and arrived around 14.25. First thing I did was go to cafe for a coffee as it was freezing. Got a message from Jim on way to the ground saying that he was at Civiil Service Strollers v East Kilbride. Strollers kicked off at 14.00 and were currently 1-0 up against East Kilbride who are one of Spartans main rivals at the top of the table. Jim said he would head to Ainslie Park for second half after the Civil Service game ended.
Edusport Academy are a unique side. The Academy is a residential football academy for young French footballers based at Lesser Hampden in Glasgow. The team, mainly composed of students in the academy, started in senior football in the South of Scotland League in 2014-2015 and had their first season in the Lowland League last season after winning the South of Scotland League in 2016-2017. Hone games are currently played at Galabank, Annan Athletic's home ground, although the club are looking for an SFA compliant venue in the West of Scotland. Though French students currently form the bulk of the side there are now a number of Scots in the squad.
Spartans started well and had the bulk of the early pressure although Edusport played some good football and looked dangerous on the break. Their right back Jean Guy Lucas looked a good player and hit a number of good crosses into the box although the Spartans defence dealt with them well. Spartans took the lead in thirteen minutes when a long ball from Michael Herd found Craig Stevenson on the left. He passed to the overlapping Gary Cennerazzo who got to the byline and sent a lovely cross into the penalty box. Stephen MacDonald met the cross about ten yards out and glanced a header into the net. Alan Brown had a good run from halfway beating a defender and heading towards the byline on the left. However his cross was poor and went out of play without even reaching the near post. Spartans continued to press and Jack Smith forced a good save from keeper Sotal Pelmard-Bassis with a header from another Cennerazzo cross. David Greenhill shot over the bar from just outside the penalty box after another good move with some good interposing.
Jim arrived just after the second half kicked off with the news that Civil Service Strollers had beaten East Kilbride 3-1. A good result for Spartans at the top of the league but they had to capitalise by winning today. The game however had changed as Edusport brought on substitute Jordan Alexandrou at halftime. His pace and skill and linking up play with centre forward Matthew Flynn brought Edusport more into the game. Flynn hit (and almost broke) the cross bar with a shot from just outside the penalty area. Then Alexandrou went through on a one two but hit his shot against Blair Carswell in the Spartans goal. Spartans brought on Jason Stevens and Scott Maxwell for Brown, who was having a nightmare game, and Smith. Stevens' bustling style helped Spartans to attack more down the right and he linked up well with Michael Herd at right-back. The final ball however was sadly lacking and no clear chances were made. Nine minutes from time Edusport equalised when a cross from Mark Kelly was met by Alexandrou about ten yards out to shoot home. Despite bringing on Blair Atkinson for Greenhill Spartans were unable to grab a winner and must look on this game as two points lost rather than one gained. Spartans play league leaders Kelty Hearts, now managed by Barry Ferguson, away next week and must be looking for a victory to stay in title contention.
After the match I walked up to ferry Road and caught a 27 bus home. It was good to get home and be warm again as it was a bit chilly at Ainslie Park.
Jim arrived just after the second half kicked off with the news that Civil Service Strollers had beaten East Kilbride 3-1. A good result for Spartans at the top of the league but they had to capitalise by winning today. The game however had changed as Edusport brought on substitute Jordan Alexandrou at halftime. His pace and skill and linking up play with centre forward Matthew Flynn brought Edusport more into the game. Flynn hit (and almost broke) the cross bar with a shot from just outside the penalty area. Then Alexandrou went through on a one two but hit his shot against Blair Carswell in the Spartans goal. Spartans brought on Jason Stevens and Scott Maxwell for Brown, who was having a nightmare game, and Smith. Stevens' bustling style helped Spartans to attack more down the right and he linked up well with Michael Herd at right-back. The final ball however was sadly lacking and no clear chances were made. Nine minutes from time Edusport equalised when a cross from Mark Kelly was met by Alexandrou about ten yards out to shoot home. Despite bringing on Blair Atkinson for Greenhill Spartans were unable to grab a winner and must look on this game as two points lost rather than one gained. Spartans play league leaders Kelty Hearts, now managed by Barry Ferguson, away next week and must be looking for a victory to stay in title contention.
After the match I walked up to ferry Road and caught a 27 bus home. It was good to get home and be warm again as it was a bit chilly at Ainslie Park.
Teams
The Spartans: Carswell, Cennerazzo, Stevenson, Tolmie, Corbett, Greenhill, Herd, McFarland, MacDonald, Brown, Smith
Subs: Stevens, Maxwell, Atkinson
Edusport Academy: Pelmard-Bassi, Lucas, Oulhaito, Krissian, Abadie, McGlaughlin, Kelly, Sinclair, Flynn, Coogans, Ferguson.
Subs: Alexandrou, Couve, Gamble.
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