A sublime strike by James Craigen earned The Spartans a share of the spoils against Clyde despite playing all but one minute of the second half with 10 men in Saturday’s William Hill SPFL 2 clash.
Spartans’ gaffer Douglas Samuel continued to utilise his squad with rotations in place following the midweek win over Aberdeen B with several changes, whilst James Craigen sported the skipper’s armband as the team’s made their way out the sheds into the decidedly fresh North Edinburgh climate.
The opening stages saw Spartans attacking the Café end of the ground, Sean Welsh winning possession in midfield, supplying Cammy Russell who progressed into the box however his cut back couldn’t find a fellow white shirted Spartan and the visitors cleared the danger.
Meanwhile, Clyde looked to make inroads of their own at the other end, requiring Kenzi Nair to be at his best at the back ensure Paddy Martin wasn’t troubled.
It was almost a route one opener for Clyde following a long hoof up the park from the keeper finding Hilton who could only fire wide.
That missed opportunity was punished shortly after. Cammy Russell working his way into the area but as he was forced wide he found James Craigen on the edge of the box where he sent a spectacular curled effort into top bins that had the home support on their feet in celebration.
Clyde rallied and were denied an equaliser by a last gasp challenge from Bradley Whyte forcing Hilton’s shot to rise over the bar.
HT: The Spartans 1-0 Clyde FC
Spartans made one change at the break with Murray Aiken replacing James Craigen.
The Spartans Gaffer hadn’t managed to make his way back to the technical area by the time a penalty had been awarded by Referee Calder after Jamie Dishington was adjudged to have pulled Redfern back in the box. Dishington deemed last man and his afternoon was cut short whilst James Hilton levelled from spot despite the valiant efforts of Paddy Martin.
With the extra man, Clyde pressed to swung the pendulum in their favour and the travelling support in the Bain & Irvine stand could only look on in wonder as Williamson contrived to send his free header wide.
Despite having to weather some early second half pressure, Spartans were to go on the attack in a fine move that saw Marc McNuilty race towards the Clyde box before sliding the ball to the advancing Mark Stowe. Stowe took time to compose himself however Hogarth made himself big and he denied Stowe from scoring his thirteen goal of the season.
McNulty was next up to offer Spartans the chance to regain the lead however he was inches away from converting Sean Welsh’s cross with the head.
A double Spartans swap saw Archie Wylie and Scott Booth replace Drysdale and Stowe as the game entered the final quarter of an hour.
Logan Dunachie was the pick up the fourth Clyde yellow of the afternoon, another card for a foul on Cammy Russell.
After four full minutes of added time, one final shrill of the whistle ended a monumental second half shift from the 10-men Spartans to secure a point which may turn out to be crucial come May.
FT: The Spartans 1-1 Clyde
Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Keiran Watson
