9th October 2021 The Spartans 1 Bonnyrigg Rose 2

 


A miserable morning today with rain teaming down. Hearts were to playing today due to the international break so I decided to head to Ainslie Park for the Lowland league top of of the table clash between leaders Bonnyrigg Rose nd sons place Spartans. The match was kicking off early at 14.00 with Scotland playing Israel, live on Sky, in a World Cup qualifier starting at 17.00. The  rain was still streaming downs I did not leave home until 12.40 and instead of walking to Ainslie Park walked to Tollcross and caught a 23 bus. Thankfully the rain had stopped when the bus arrived t Goldenace and I got of there and walked along Ferry Road to Ainslie Park. I showed my season ticket for entry and bought the much improved programme for £2 on entry. Jim was already there and we wandered long to the grassy embankment at the Hilton end of the ground to watch the match Despite the requirement for 'red zones' no longer being mandatory no fans were being still allowed to stand of the far side of the pitch opposite the stand. 

The match looked like being an excellent game. Spartans goalkeeper Blair Carswell was still  out through injury and was replaced by Dundee Utd. loanee Jack Newman. A further two recent signings were  also in the starting line-up, Finn Robson, on loan from Dundee Utd, in left midfield and Cammy Russell, signed from Kelty Hearts, up front. One strange think struck me about the Spartans side. Last week it was announced that Michael Bolochoweckyj was retiring after a long career. A tribute to Bolo was included in todays programme but he was still there amongst the substitutes warming up before the game and at halftime. Maybe a consequence of the Spartans injury list a present! Bonnyrigg had set a Lowland League record with a 13-0 win at Vale of Leithen in midweek but made a number of changes today They sent out what is probably their strongest side with a back three of Kerr Young, Dean Hoskins and Alan Horne with George Hunter and Kieran Hall up front. 

The game started slowly but livend up after about ten minutes. Lewis Turner sent a cross over from the left which Mikey Allan headed towards his own goal. Newman managed to knock the ball over the bar at the expense of a corner. Lee Currie took the kick and sent it towards to far post where Dean Hoskins rose unchallenged to head Spartans into the lead. After around twenty minutes Bonnyrigg had another great chance when Hunter cut the ball back from the byeline to Dean Brett. The fullback’s shot was brilliantly tipped over the bar by keeper Newsman. Bonnyrigg went two up just before ether half hour. Lewis Turner was fouled by Kevin Waugh wide on the left. Currie again took the free-kick and floated it into the penalty area where Callum Connolly headed home from around twelve yards. Spartans were trying hard to get back into the game but seemed to lack a cutting edge up front. 

To be honest these second half was a bit of a non event. Bonnyrigg seemed happy with a two goal lead and Spartans lacked inspiration in the penalty area. Jamie Dishington, normally the Spartans play-maker, was playing wide right and did not seem to get the ball in positions where he could create chances. The only real goalscoring chance game with ten minutes to go when Hunter was fouled around twenty-five yards from the Spartans goal. Hunter took the free-kick himself and the ball hit the cross-bar before spinning out of play for a goal kick. With three minutes to go Spartans pulled a goal back. Robson hit a long through ball which was misjudged by Bonnyrigg substitute Scott Gray. The ball ran on to Spartans substitute Sam Newman who knocked the ball past Bonnyrigg keeper Mikey Andrew’s before knocking it into the empty net. Spartans were now looking for an equaliser but were unable to penetrate the Bonnyrigg defence despite a five minute injury time period.

After the final whistle I headed to the railway path and walked home. I arrived home just as the national anthem were being played at Hampden and settled down to watch an enthralling game between Scotland and Israel.


Teams

Spartans: J. Newman, Brown, Allan, Waugh, Smith, Jones, Dishington, McFarland, Henderson, Russell, Robson.
Subs: S. Newman, Murrell.

Bonnyrigg Rose: Andrews, Brett, Martynuik, Horne, Young, Hoskins, Turner, Connolly, Hall, Currie, Hunter.
Subs: Evans, S. Gray, Barrett

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