Spartans step up title bid with victory over Students

Published on Thursday 16 April 2009 09:48

SPARTANS moved to within one point of Premier Division leaders Dalbeattie Star when they narrowly defeated Edinburgh University 1-0 with a first-half goal from recent signing Michael Opilka.

The Students, despite the unavailability of some key players, made it difficult for a Spartans team without striker Keith McLeod.

"We played great but just could not get that vital second goal," said Spartans co-manager Mike Lawson. "We dominated the game but the University were very stuffy and well organised as always and they might have nicked an equaliser late on. As far as we are concerned it was another three big points and keeps the pressure on Dalbeattie."

Spartans' goal came ten minutes before half-time from a set piece, with Dean Hoskins delivering a cross which Opilka headed into the net.

Douglas Samuel, the University Head Coach, said: "I was quite happy that we got some respect back after Spartans beat us 6-0 only a few weeks ago. The only nightmare was that Spartans' goal was a soft one which we gifted to them."

Elsewhere, Edinburgh City eased their relegation concerns with an emphatic 5-0 win against current champions Whitehill Welfare at Ferguson Park.

The Capital side moved into mid-table with first-half goals from Steven Clee and a double from Dougie Gair.

After the break Jordan Caddow scored with a powerful header while the final goal was the pick of the bunch.

City defender Kenny Ross picked the ball up on the edge of his own penalty box and ran the length of the park before he squared it to Jordan Hall who picked his spot behind Whitehill goalkeeper Youssef Bejaoui.

"We absolutely hammered Whitehill and could have scored more although our goalkeeper, Stuart Hogarth, had to make at least three very good saves," said City manager Shaun Steven. "On the balance of play we deserved to win handsomely."