Cammy Russell marked a milestone appearance with a point winning strike as Spartans were left frustrated against Forfar in their rearranged SPFL 2 fixture at the Vanloq Community Stadium.
Gaffer Douglas Samuel made just the one change from the win at Clyde as Blair Henderson replaced Hamish Ritchie whilst it was a 150th appearance for Cammy Russell in Spartans colours.
With an enforced costume change required for Blair Carswell at the request of the Referee, the match kick-off was slightly delayed allowing surprise attendee Gordon Strachan further opportunity to engage with supporters as he made his way to the stand.
Spartans took the game to Forfar from the off and Cammy Russell looked lively to pounce on a defensive lapse however after catching keeper Marc McCallum at sea, his attempt was blocked to save the goalie’s blushes.
Ayrton Sonkur was first in the Ref’s jotter for impeding a runner up the line and Kieran Inglis wasn’t long in joining him after his dive in the Spartans box failing to impress the judges.
There was a good old tussle on the touchline between the two Cameron’s, Russell and Logan with both exchanging fouls in front of the main stand.
A free-kick conceded eight minutes from the break was to see the visitors take the lead courtesy of Reuben McAllister’s effort.
Spartans almost got back on level terms moments later with a tantalising cross into the box inches away from being converted by the head of Blair Henderson.
HT: The Spartans 0-1 Forfar Athletic
Liam Morgan came close to opening his Spartans account when he looked to latch onto the ball in the box however he was denied by McCallum.
A penetrating run by Cammy Russell ended with a long range pop that was down the throat of the keeper but it was his next attempt that was to go one better.
A neat one-two with Kieran Watson sent Mark Stowe on a run up the flank. His cross into the box found Cammy Russell who steadied before sending his low shot into the net off the base of the post to grab the equaliser.
A reckless high foot by Mackenzie Lemon caught Keiran Watson on the side of the head earning the Forfar player a lucky escape with only a yellow card.
Spartans pressed hard for the winner with Cammy Russell wrestled to the ground by Matthew Allan as the duo headed towards the Forfar penalty area. Russell’s frustrations were clear when play was allowed to rage on with no foul deemed to have taken place.
With seconds left on the clock, Declan Byrne launched a cross into the box but there was Kevin Waugh almost hugging the carpet as he nonchalantly headed the ball back to Blair Carswell, thus ensuring a share of the spoils.
FT: The Spartans 1-1 Forfar Athletic
Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Liam Morgan
