The Spartans bounced back to bin the disappointment of Dumbarton with a hard fought 2-1 comeback win against fellow promotion chasing Clyde at the Vanloq Community Stadium.
Both sides came into this final encounter of the SPFL 2 campaign between the clubs looking to boost their points tally as the business end of the season continues to gather pace.
It was almost the ideal start for The Spartans within the opening couple of minutes when a tame cross into the box was spilled by Jay Hogarth between the Clyde sticks. Ayrton Sonkur was in the mix, seeing his first dink at the ball blocked by the keeper then his second bite at the cherry bouncing off a defender’s limbs before being hoofed to safety.
The crowd inside the ground, including the Spartan-clad Stag cheered on as he led the home side out of the sheds ahead of kick-off, must have thought they were in for an incident packed half however they had to simmer down to a mild frenzy for largely the rest of the half.
Save for a Kyle Connell booking for simulation as he hit the astro with some daylight between his boot and Paddy Martin’s outstretched glove and a couple of Ayrton Sonkur headed clearances, notable incidents were relatively few and far between.
Thankfully the tasty pies and assorted savouries offered something for the supporters of both sides to chew over at half time.
HT: The Spartans 0-0 Clyde FC
Spartans had the best chance of the game ten minutes after the break when Cammy Russell delivered a telling cross than whizzed across the six yard box however Mark Stowe was only able to send his connected effort wide.
From almost breaking the deadlock to going behind in the next phase of play was how the afternoon unfolded for Douglas Samuel’s side. Marley Redfern’s cross found Kyle Connell who stayed on his feet as Paddy Martin slipped and found the empty net calling his name.
That lead lasted a full six minutes when Spartans got themselves back into the game from the penalty spot. Logan Dunachie’s clearance found Cammy Russell who was upended in the box by Tommy Robson and Referee Cameron Stirling pointed to the spot. Up stepped Marc McNulty who sent Hogarth the wrong way to level proceedings.
With games elsewhere across the league taking twists and turns, a draw wouldn’t have been the ideal outcome for either side.
Then, in the 72nd minute, an Ayrton Sonkur header found a pair of Clyde defenders leaving it to each other allowing Cammy Russell to latch onto it and progress into the box before selflessly squaring to Mark Stowe who tapped home to see the pendulum swing in Spartans favour.
Spartans made a couple of changes with eight left on the clock. Jake Davidson replacing Marc McNulty and there was a return to the action for Callum Booth who swapped with Kenzi Nair.
Murray Aiken was next to add to his Spartans appearance tally before the final change saw the home support warmly welcome Paul Watson back to first team action after his long road to recovery.
Keep-ball was in order as Spartans looked to close out the final moments of the game, with Cammy Russell making a nuisance of himself in the corner.
One last chance fell to the visitors with Hogarth coming up for a final corner of the afternoon however the Spartans defence held strong, with Bradley Whyte hoofing the ball up the paddock to clear the lines for good.
FT: The Spartans 2-1 Clyde FC
