Spence double sees champs toppled by Newcraighall LV

Victories for Redhall Star and Whitson Star saw the Uphall club fall to third place, as Vics' James Spence hit a first-half double to kill off a Station side decimated by injury and suspension. In a tight game, Newcraighall deserved their victory, especially given their outstanding performance in the first 45 minutes.

In the opening exchanges, though, it was Uphall who looked dangerous and Bamba Jobarteh could have claimed a penalty in the second minute. However, he carried on sportingly after balancing himself well and could not capitalise on the opportunity.

After surviving some early pressure, Newcraighall began to create chances and scored first through Spence on five minutes. The goal arrived out of nothing as Spence struck the ball cleanly from distance and it found its way into the net past Steven Vannet.

It took only three minutes for Newcraighall to double their lead and for Spence to secure his brace. A corner from Kevin Wood found Spence in the centre, and he headed the ball home comfortably. It was an effective set piece from Newcraighall, but there was a obvious lack of pressure on the striker from the Uphall defence. Newcraighall continued to push and in the space of two minutes had a goal disallowed and David Turnball hitting the crossbar. They could have been made to rue missed opportunities as Uphall battled back. On 34 minutes, Uphall won a free kick just outside the box, but Alan Watt could only blast the ball wide.

Uphall Station looked the better side in the second half and, if not for the efforts of Newcraighall goalkeeper Graham O'Brien, it could have been an entirely different result.

On 50 minutes, O'Brien denied Lee Manderson at the expense of a corner and ten minutes later he pulled off a wonderful save. Steven Fleming's shot was on target and heading goalwards until the keeper pushed the ball over the crossbar with a spectacular stop.

Newcraighall did not help their cause when they had a man sent off with 20 minutes remaining. Paul Scott was shown a straight red for foul and abusive language towards the referee after being booked originally for a rash tackle.

Uphall continued to attack and mount pressure on the Newcraighall goal but could not find the finish they badly required against the ten men of Newcraighall. Fleming came close on 77 minutes, but he knocked his shot wide of the left post. Five minutes later and Watt could not provide either, as he spurned the chance of a lifeline for Uphall.

With the clock ticking down, Uphall could have grabbed a late goal to create a tense finish but it was not to be for the away team. A corner was cleared away and the ball appeared to bounce perfectly to Jobarteh, only for the striker to punt over the bar. It was perhaps a harder chance than it initially appeared, but it was to be their last. A clean sheet for Newcraighall was a fitting tribute to the home side's strong defensive performance and top-notch goalkeeper. High praise should also be given to coach Graham McDonald, who has evidently helped put together a well-structured team who have climbed to fourth in the table and will be hard to beat this season.

Newcraighall Leith Vics: Graham O'Brien, Paul Armstrong, Paul Waugh, Ross Alexander, Kevin Smith, Nicholas Combe, Kevin Wood, Andrew Dailly, David Turnball, Paul Scott, James Spence, Stuart Henderson, Steven Igoe, Steven McCulloch, Keith Fraser.

Uphall Station: Steven Vannet, Chriss Norris, Keith Robertson, Andrew Brash, Lee Manderson, Vasice Iftode, Craig Edwards, Bamba Jobarteh, Alan Watt, Steven Fleming, Kevin McGee, Alexander Clarkson, Gary White.