Les Atkinson’s Under 20s progressed in the League Cup after a 4-1 victory over Tranent on Friday evening.
After initial confusion over kick-off times, the game got underway with the hosts keen to make amends at the first time of asking following the 7-0 defeat at Ainslie Park in the opening game of the Development League season.
That took a dent in the 19th minute when Spartans took the lead. James Clare’s free-kick from the right hand side took a deflection off the Tranent defensive wall, deceiving the keeper and landing in the net. It was Clare’s fourth goal in five competitive games this season, a decent return from the defender so far.
It was the only goal of a first half where the visitors weren’t shy at making advances to extend their lead however a relatively resolute home defence ensured the lead at the break was Clare’s solitary success.
HT: Tranent 0-1 Spartans
An eight minute manic period shaped the outcome of the tie played on what could only be described as a bowling green style grass pitch which earned plaudits from the visitors.
First up, Spartans doubled their lead. Jake Cunningham connected with a corner swung in from the right, his initial header was saved however the skipper swooped like a seagull on chips to fire the rebound high into the net.
That lead was halved in controversial circumstances when Tranent scored direct from a corner. That alone is not controversial in itself, however added into the mix what looked like a clear infringement on Dan Hart, there was sympathy for the aggrieved on the visiting bench.
However, that two goal lead was restored in the 65th minute. A stramash inside the Tranent box finally saw the ball hit the back of the net with Adri Anagnostou being credited with the final touch.
Further light appeared between the sides with fifteen minutes to go. A long throw by James Clare was flicked on by Euan McEvoy-Folland to Logan Brodie who squared it to Anagnostou and there was no dubiety over crediting the striker with his fifth goal of the season.
The win extends the side’s unbeaten record to 13 – on Friday 13th of all days…
FT: Tranent 1-4 Spartans
