A Mark Stowe hat-trick and Cammy Russell double saw The Spartans notch up a record victory against Forfar Athletic with a 5-1 win in Saturday’s SPFL 2 encounter.
Jordan Tapping became the latest Spartans Centurion as he made his 100th appearance, whilst Bradley Whyte and Cammy Russell returned to the starting line-up, swapping berths with Brogan Walls and Ricky Dinanga.
The game was only six minutes in before the home fans were up on their feet celebrating Mark Stowe’s delightful lob over the stranded Neil Stafford after a defensive faux pas allowed the Spartans striker the opportunity to look up and send the ball into the empty net.
Ethan Drysdale then went on a trademark flyer down the flank before whipping in a telling cross that was just taken off the toe of Stowe to deny him a quickfire second.
Forfar stopper Stafford then pulled off a tremendous save that once again denied the lively Stowe from turning over the scoreboard once again.
Half an hour had passed and Spartans were remarkably just a solitary goal to the good despite their dominance. That almost changed when Cammy Russell set up Marc McNulty, but he could only look on in agony as his effort just shaved the outside of the post.
Then, with the interval on the horizon, a frantic sixty seconds saw the Coaches’ scripts for the sheds ripped up.
Paddy Martin launched the ball up the park, Marc McNulty stretching every fiber in his right hamstring to bring the ball down before delivering the ultimate pass to the onrushing Cammy Russell who slammed home.
Then, moments later, further light was put between the sides when James Craigen’s well weighted back-heel into the path of Mark Stowe saw Spartans take a three goal cushion into the changing rooms.
HT: The Spartans 3-0 Forfar Athletic
The Loons came out as if they’d had the old school Fergie hairdryer treatment and within the opening minute, they were close to a lifeline however the post was the deny Martin Rennie’s header.
Aron Lynas then had a pop however he was off balance and his effort almost troubled those standing on the balcony.
Cammy Russell then went on a foot-race only for a last-ditch defensive toe taking the ball of the playmaker as he went to pull the metaphorical trigger.
Matthew Mudie found himself inside the Forfar penalty area and appeared to have been upended by Jack Wylie. It saw the Ref blow his whistle however onto to halt play to dish out a yellow to the Spartans player offering much bewilderment.
The first of the changes came in the 66th minute when Jamie Dishington and Brogan Walls came on at the expense of Bradley Whyte and Mudie who was still feeling the effects of the knock received.
The industrious Ethan Drysdale was then replaced by Ben Heal five minutes later.
Forfar looked to have grabbed an important breakthrough when Luca Perrie capitalised inside the box to slot home from 10 yards out.
That nugget of hope was shortly put back in the box when Cammy Russell pulled an incredible goal out of the hat.
Brogan Walls offering a neat lay off just outside the corner of the penalty area and somehow, with Aaron Arnott on top of him to make the challenge, Cammy Russell unleashed an outrageous strike that beat Stafford all ends up.
With ten minutes left on the clock, Mark Stowe secured the match ball after fine work by James Craigen on the touchline to set up Spartans fifth of the afternoon.
Mack Ross was then introduced for Cammy Russell who deserved the early finish.
And with that, the final whistle sounded and Spartans extended their unbeaten league run to four.
FT: The Spartans 5-1 Forfar Athletic
[Words: Mark Brown]
