The Spartans 1 Forfar Athletic 0

Match Report.

The Loons travelled to Ainslie Park on Saturday following a much improved performance at home to Stranraer last week albeit losing an unfortunate late equaliser in the hope this recent improvement would secure a much needed win against The Spartans.

A rain soaked pitch in a dull and dreary Edinburgh set the scene for a pretty much dull and dreary performance from the Loons in the opening 20 minutes. Neither team created many chances however for those in attendance, all could see The Spartans were the better team within the opening period which was dominated mainly by fouls. Only an Andy Munro long range shot early on gave the travelling support something to get excited about. Eventually the Athies started to play better football and were winning possession in midfield and looked threatening at times, however in reality a Seb Ross header on 43 minutes was the only one that came close to opening the scoring in the opening 45 minutes. Spartans only real chance first half fell to Tapping who headed wide from close range.

Second half started the same as the first half ended but with heavier rain and the conditions would only get worse as the game progressed, with neither side carving out a clear cut chance worthy of note. Forfar were forced into a substitution and change in formation after Matty Allan had to leave the field of play with a suspected broken hand, Kieran Inglis replacing him. The disruptive fouling which was ever present in the game signalled the start of a yellow card spree by the man in the middle with three Spartans players booked in a 2 minute window. Stuart Morrison also joined them in the book for a late challenge.

Much to the disappointment of all concerned with the Loons the deadlock was broken in the 72nd minute, with the home side pulling ahead. A loose ball fell to the feet of Jordan Tapping, his shot then deflecting off Blair Henderson and past a helpless Marc McCallum. In an effort to get back into the game, the Loons first introduced Darren Watson and Ryan Patterson for Mark Whatley and Seb Ross followed by Cameron Ferguson for Finn Robson. A late press for an equaliser saw Forfar winning two consecutive corners in the 91st minute, with Marc McCallum coming forward having secured the nod from the manager to do so. Sadly it was not meant to be for the Loons, with a late effort from Adam Hutchinson from close range failing to trouble Blair Carswell in the Spartans’ goal.

Fulltime The Spartans 1-0 Forfar Athletic

A disappointing performance and result after showing signs of promise last week. The management team and players will need to dust themselves off or rather dry themselves out after yesterdays weather and pick themselves up with two more tough games coming up against top end of the table opposition. Dumbarton at home this coming Saturday then away to Peterhead on 23rd December.

C’mon the Loons.