Clinical Spartans get the goal that counts

The match had few notable chances but Spartans were able to take an early lead.

A deep cross from Gavin Callanach found Stephen Hamilton on the left side of the six yard box. He was able to flick the ball past the keeper into the path of Paul Cameron, who had an easy tap in to the centre of the open goal.

At the other end, a long range shot from Jamie Laing was fired narrowly wide of the target as Redhall hit back. Star's first shot on target came thanks to a Scott Kinnaird free kick, whose shot from 30 yards caused problems for Spartans goalkeeper Clarke Veitch, who had to reach high to tip the ball over the bar.

The second half was dominated by Redhall Star, but despite this they were unable to break through the Spartans defence. Gordon Abbott's shot was parried and a shot by Paul Suddaby was punched away.

Redhall narrowly missed their best opportunity to level the match. A corner, swung in from the left by Laing found the head of player-manager James MacCusker. He headed the ball towards the goal but Spartans player John Quinn cleared the ball off the line.

Soon after, Spartans had a chance to double their lead against the run of play. A free kick floated into the area by Callanach found the feet Roni Penneck. He was only six yards from goal but could not get his footwork right and flicked the ball narrowly over the bar.

Spartans substitute Johnny Ssentamu traded passes with Cameron, but the goalscorer hit the ball wide. A few minutes later, Cameron thought he should have had a penalty. He thought he was fouled after a tackle from Redhall defender Bobbi Dickson, but referee Malcolm Stewart dismissed his appeals.

There were a couple of chances for Redhall to take the game to extra time in the dying minutes. A Suddaby cross found Gavin Millar but his powerful shot was saved well by the impressive Veitch. Laing could only blaze the ball over the bar in stoppage time and time ran out for Redhall.

Redhall boss MacCusker felt his side did not deserve to lose. He said: "I thought we were the better team - we just didn't get any luck." Spartans manager Dean Philp was delighted that his players were able to lift the trophy. He said, "I thought we dominated the first half. For the last half hour of the second half they threw everything at us. We deserved to get one or two goals."We may not have been the better team but we won and that's all that matters."

Redhall Star: Neill Wilson, Nikki Simpson, Scott Kinnaird, James MacCusker, Bobbi Dickson, Steven Kane, Chas McArthur, Paul Suddaby, Jamie Laing, Gordon Abbott, Gavin Millar, Gary Fisher, Craig Sheppard, Chris Seery.

Spartans AFC: Clarke Veitch, Jamie Murray, John Quinn, Ryan Taylor, Stuart Kidd, Liam Shanks, Abdul Ben Garba, Mhedi Herechi, Stephen Hamilton, Paul Cameron, Johnny Ssentamu, Malcolm Leask, Roni Pennek, Oli Li, Gavin Callanach.