James Craigen’s looping equalising strike saw The Spartans earn a share of the spoils at Galabank as Douglas Samuel’s side played out a 1-1 draw against Annan Athletic in their second SPFL 2 meeting of the season.
The gaffer was offered a welcome boost with Ayrton Sonkur returning to the bench as his side looked to continue their impressive unbeaten run on the road this campaign so far.
Annan went on the offensive from kick-off and the first move of the afternoon saw Josh Todd fire at Paddy Martin who produced a strong one handed tip over the crossbar.
Ethan Drysdale then came close to grabbing the opener at the other end, only for Gio Clarke to pull off a decent stop to deny the Spartans man.
After threats at both ends, it was the hosts who snatched the lead in the 6th minute. A long ball to the back post found Aidan Smith who nodded back into the six yard box. It was subsequently squared to the unmarked Tommy Muir who just about managed to squeeze the ball over the line despite the valiant efforts of Paddy Martin on the line.
Mark Stowe came inches away from an instant response when James Craigen’s telling pass into the box found the striker however he could only look on in agony as the ball flashed by the base of the post.
Annan keeper Clarke was to deny Sean Welsh with a fine save from a fierce effort inside the box as the visitors looked to get back on level terms.
That equaliser finally came in the 31st minute. A cheeky wee one-two with Marc McNulty saw James Craigen collect the ball on the edge of the box and his deflected effort spun like a washing machine before looping over the despairing diving Clarke to find the net.
As the half drew to a close, Willie Gibson entered the Spartans penalty area. James Craigen’s covering challenge saw the Annan man fall over however it appeared to be the ball and not the Spartans man that caused the theatrical crash to the carpet.
HT: Annan Athletic 1-1 The Spartans
A sigh of relief three minutes after the interval for Spartans came when Charlie Maxwell’s header from close range was sent wide of Martin’s goal.
Meanwhile, Mark Stowe was to send a low drive across the six yard box that was to narrowly whizz past as the stalemate continued.
Murray Aiken was introduced at the expense of Jamie Dishington midway through the half before Ayrton Sonkur made his return from injury replacing Whyte.
Both sides huffed and puffed like the Big Bad Wolf but neither could blow their opponents defensive door down to grab a winner.
FT: Annan Athletic 1-1 The Spartans
