Blair Henderson was gifted the match ball by hosts Dalbeattie Star as the prolific striker scored a hat-trick as Spartans moved into second place in the Lowland League with a 0-4 win on the road.
Spartans were looking sharp from the off and they were almost ahead with 90 seconds when home keeper Mason McCready’s loose clearance found it’s way to Cammy Russell who looked to return with interest, but his long range effort was wide.
It was like the siege from the Alamo in the opening minutes as the Star penalty box was peppered with crosses, corners and a couple of shots however the visitors were frustratingly kept out.
Cammy Russell’s twenty yard drive had McCready beaten all ends up but the in-form scorer couldn’t add to his tally as the ball crashed off the bar and away to safety.
Then, on the twenty minute mark, that elusive opener finally happened for the Ainslie Park side. A Rhys Armstrong corner was floated into the box and Kevin Waugh was on hand to power his header into the net.
Almost a quick addition moments later when Cammy Russell raced into the box and sent a shot / pass / cross beyond the keeper from the angle but it flashed wide.
The second Spartans goal came in the 36th minute and it was Blair Henderson who latched onto a defensive header intended for the keeper but he swooped, controlled and lobbed the goalie and looked on as the ball eventually made its way into the empty onion bag.
With the half time interval on the horizon, Blair Henderson netted his second of the afternoon. Bradley Whyte saw his effort hit the post only for the ball to rebound into the path of Henderson who thumped it back with interest.
HT: Dalbeattie Star 0-3 The Spartans
A quick turn and shot in the box shortly after the restart by Cammy Russell just didn’t have enough power to land in the net as Spartans set out to start where they’d left off before heading to the sheds.
As the Islecroft pitch began to cut up following the recent rainfall, dynamic passing play was at a premium as the divets offered diversions and first touches were either to control or tackle to secure the ball.
Midway through the half and it was hat-trick time for Blair Henderson. Moments earlier there was a strong shout for a penalty after what appeared to be a clear cut handball in the Dalbeattie Box.
No penalty was the call however shortly after from a corner kick, Jamie Dishington appeared to be dragged to the ground and Referee Michael Williamson pointed to the spot.
Up stepped Blair Henderson who calmly sent McCready the wrong way and made it four.
The next hat-trick was by way of Spartans substitutions with Sean Brown, Sam Jones, Gregor Woods replacing Ian McFarland, Blair Henderson and Mikey Herd.
There was a golden chance for the hosts to grab a goal for themselves after some slack defensive play saw an opportunity arise however the shot was sent wide of Blair Carswell’s far post.
A final replacement saw Alan Brown come on for Rhys Armstrong.
Sean Brown came close to getting on the scoresheet, only for the woodwork to come to the Star rescue once again.
FT: Dalbeattie Star 0-4 The Spartans
Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Blair Henderson
