New-look Spartans run Division Three side Annan close at Ainslie Park

Spartans hosted the club that pipped them for SFL membership four years ago and 
although the Ainslie Park outfit were beaten 2-1 by Annan Athletic, manager Douglas Samuel was encouraged by his side’s performance.

“It was pleasing for us to win the second half,” emphasised Samuel. “The first half was tough for us as we played a different shape without having done any work on the training pitch.”

Spartans almost took the lead after only two minutes when Alistair Woodburn was sent through but pulled his shot wide of the target. Annan took the lead in the 15th minute when a Graeme Ramage shot was pushed on to the crossbar by Chris Flockhart and Michael Daly volleyed in the rebound. On the stroke of half-time a Gary Thorburn cross set up Daly to net his second goal with a header.

Spartans pushed forward 
after the interval and caused the Annan defence problems before they deservedly pulled a goal back seven minutes from time. John Grant lobbed Alex Mitchell in the Annan goal.

Elsewhere, Whitehill Welfare beat South of Scotland League side Dalbeattie Star 5-1 at Ferguson Park thanks to Steve Manson, Andrew Kidd, Dayne Robertson and a brace from Wayne McIntosh. In other games involving East Seniors teams, Heriot-Watt University beat Haddington 5-1 thanks to goals from Brendan Napier (two), Michael Connor (two) and Chris Donnelly. Arthurlie beat Craigroyston 3-0, Newtongrange Star beat Edinburgh University 4-0 and Edinburgh City lost 2-0 to St Anthony’s.