Spartans to the four in cup final

It was the fourth time the two sides have faced each other this season, with a familiar outcome on each occasion.

Two 4-2 victories on league duty and a 2-1 victory in the Paladin Cup final played in March has made the red-and-white colours of Spartans Colts a sombre prospect for an unfortunate Newcraighall side.

However, this triumph has added the final gloss to a campaign which has confirmed Colts as treble winners for the 2009/2010 season.

On a hot and sticky night, both sides strove to attack at will with some neat passing from defence to attack. But it was Spartans Colts who proved to have that extra piece of the jigsaw at their disposal with both Kieran Spiers and Jordan Andrews in particular, the catalyst to cup final glory.

Colts coach Michael De Angelis was delighted to have secured a third piece of silverware but felt his side didn't live up to their true potential. He said: "I thought it was quite low key for a cup final and quite scrappy at times but it's the second time we've played them in a cup final this season and this was a fairly similar game to that one.

"I think the heat took its toll but we created the more chances and probably deserved to win."

Only five minutes were on the clock when Spartans striker Andrews collected the ball deep into Newcraighall territory. His teasing cross from the left was cleared from the six-yard box but rebounded off an on-rushing Mason Stade and into the path of Ross Rutherford, who had the easiest of tasks of knocking the ball beyond Newcraighall goalkeeper Kevin Millar.

Newcraighall were lucky to be only one behind with both Spiers and Andrews going close shortly after as Spartans looked to improve on their slender lead.

But it was the black and white Vics outfit that had the next opportunity of the half – and it was a chance they would live to regret. Just minutes before the half-time interval, a pinpoint pass from Marc Cossettini put Kane Weir clear in on goal but, with the little striker delaying his shot, and the angle becoming increasingly narrow, he could only fire a shot straight at Spartans keeper Ryan Forsyth.

Spartans Colts unleashed a bitter blow to the hopes of Newcraighall's youngsters with a quick-fire double just minutes into the second period. However, the first goal had the characteristics of a goal you are likely to find in a cartoon strip.

Spiers received the ball 25 yards from goal and not only demonstrated great control and skill to turn his defender but had the audacity to attempt a shot on the half-volley, one that flew over the stranded Millar and into the net.

The game was over as a contest only two minutes later when the tenacious Andrews added a third after great work from the right from Spiers.

A spirited second-half performance from Newcraighall couldn't produce a comeback as the majority of their possession couldn't be turned into goal-scoring opportunities, with a resolute Spartans Colts defence determined to keep a clean sheet.

A disappointed Newcraighall boss Kevin Millar was honest enough to admit the better side won but felt his attacking department was a significant factor in the 3-0 outcome.

He said: "I think we were unlucky, we had a lot of the ball but couldn't find a goal. They are a big, physical side and have strikers who can score but well done to Spartans as they are a good team."

Newcraighall Leith Vics Colts: Kevin Millar, Craig Anderson, Jamie Clark, Marc Cossettini, Ryan Harris, Curtis Imrie, Kyle McLeod, Mark Slater, Keir Stanton, Scott Thorburn, Kane Weir, Jordon Williams, Ryan Bell, Steven Coyle, Robson McCelland, Tom Nicolson, Lawrie Payne.

Spartans Colts: Ryan Forsyth, Toni Beisel, Mathew Davitt, Scott MacKenzie, Brandon MacFarlane, Gregg Watson, Brendan Scott, Ewan Russell, Andy Gray, Stewart McMillan, Pierre Leen, Mason Stade, Kieran Spiers, Fraser Millar, Jordan Andrews, Ross Rutherford.