A late goal from substitute Sean Brown wasn’t enough to help guide Spartans to success in the opening fixture of the Lowland League season at Cumbernauld against Open Goal Broomhill FC.
The sides trotted out from the sheds welcomed by a decent crowd inside Broadwood Stadium as the league season kicked-off with both teams looking to hit the ground running from the off.
In the opening exchanges, it was akin to the beginning of a chess encounter, with both sides carefully construction plays and looking to lull their opponents into a false sense of security in order to make that telling move.
Cammy Russell had what could be described as the first real effort on goal, only for his effort to be blocked. The hosts countered with a shot towards Blair Carswell who watched the ball head over his crossbar.
The best opportunity of the half came when Bradley Whyte threaded the ball into the box for Blair Henderson however he was denied by the keeper who came out to do just about enough to stop the striker’s long legs from making full connection with the ball.
There were a trio of yellows distributed before the interval as frustrations grew on the paddock with neither team able to get break the deadlock.
HT: Open Goal Broomhill FC 0-0 The Spartans
It was a frantic start to the second half with a bit of a stramash under the scoreboard as Jamie Dishington was brought down. Mikey Herd was most aggrieved and offered his team mate handers in the resulting war of words which were finally diffused by the man in the middle.
The hosts took the lead in the 49th minute and shortly afterwards Jamie Dishington almost equalised but for his header to find the Broomhill goalkeeper and it remained 1-0.
Broomhill had their dander up and Spartans were forced into a spell of defending. That was finally breached once again as the hosts doubled their lead, leaving the visitors with a bit of a challenge on their hands.
Midway through the half, Dougie Samuel rung the changes with Gregor Woods and Sean Brown replacing Sam Jones and Ian McFarland.
Malt and Hops Man of the Match Blair Henderson then found himself inside the Broomhill box as he looked to place his shot into the net, only for the home keeper to throw his arms out wide to send the effort behind for a corner.
Spartans did reduce the deficit though with twelve minutes left on the clock. A Cammy Russell corner was nudged into the path of Sean Brown who poked the ball into the net from six yards.
The visitors were looking the most likely to score again as they camped themselves in the home half of the park.
Cammy Russell’s late corner was whipped into the back post however there weren’t any takers.
FT: Open Goal Broomhill 2-1 The Spartans
Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Blair Henderson
