FIVE STAR PERFORMANCE FROM SPARTANS

Ed Brown

Spartans got back to winning ways in the Scottish Premier League with a convincing 5-0 victory over bottom of the table Kilmarnock at Ainslie Park.

The Home side dominated from start to finish scoring four goals inside the first 45 minutes through strikes by Diana Barry, Molly McKean and a brace by Lana Clelland. After such a strong first half Spartans made several changes to their line-up and continued to press for more goals. However, with Kilmarnock defending with large numbers and deep within their own half, the North Edinburgh side could only add one more strike to their goal tally with centre half Louise Moultray getting her first goal for the club in the 80^th minute.

Straight from kick-off Spartans took the game to their visitors and the first opportunity fell to centre half Heli Hakkinen who sent a header wide of the goal. Louise Mason tricked her way down the right wing before winning a corner for her side off the feet of Nicole Murray. Lana Clelland sent the resulting cross to the far post to Hakkinen who, after losing her marker, sent a header wide of the target.

Moments later and again Spartans came close to opening their account as Louise Magilton sent a thunderous drive inches over the bar. Clelland collected the ball wide on the left and after driving in field found Magilton with a square pass. The midfielder, with acres of space in front of her, fired a looping drive that flashed over the bar from 30 yards out.

Kilmarnock were struggling to clear their lines and after 15 minutes Spartans broke the deadlock with Captain Diana Barry heading in from four yards out. Danni Pagliarulo played the ball out wide to Clelland who, after cutting inside the fullback, fired a right foot cross to the near post where Barry, who got in front of her the centre half, headed the ball into the back of the net.

The pressure on the Kilmarnock goal was constant and within minutes of the restart Spartans created another outstanding opportunity only to see Kilmarnock goalkeeper Lauren Grant expertly save from the feet of Clelland. Mason, who was a menace down the right wing, tricked her way into the box before cutting the ball back to Molly McKean. The midfielder looked up and saw the run of Clelland and clipped the ball over to the Spartans Number 7 who, eight yards out, fired in a fierce right foot shot only to see the diving Grant expertly catch the ball at full stretch.

However, Spartans did double their lead on the half hour mark with McKean sending a 25 yard curling right foot shot into the top left hand corner of the net. McKean collected the ball midway through the Kilmarnock half and, after playing a quick one-two with Pagliarulo, sent a clever chipped drive into the top corner past the helpless keeper.

The home side were not letting the pressure ease on the Kilmarnock goal and five minutes later Magilton again tried her luck from outside the box however Grant was able to prevent the score from increasing momentarily. Chloe Fitzpatrick brought the ball out of defence and, after travelling some distance before being closed down, found Magilton on the edge of the box. The midfielder shifted her weight and sent a thunderous drive which the keeper was equal to on this occasion.

The Kilmarnock keeper was preventing the score from increasing at a rapid rate and once more she managed to save her side as she dived at the feet of Barry who was through on goal. Clelland collect the ball on the left hand side of the box and flicked it over the defenders heads into the path of Barry who, with a swivel of her hips, tried to round the Kilmarnock Number one only to see Grant smother the ball as the striker went to pass her.

However it was only a matter of time before the next goal went in and five minutes before half time the North Edinburgh side got their third with Clelland firing a long range effort that Grant could only parry into her own net. Clelland, who had temporarily moved infield found herself with plenty of space 30 yards from goal and the winger, after looking up, sent a swerving right foot shot that Grant could only fingertip into the back of the net.

And it was Clelland who again finished off a well worked Spartans move as she volleyed the ball home from six yards out. With the referee about to blow for half time, Mason charged down the right wing and as she reached the bye-line she managed to stop the ball before firing over a left foot cross to Clelland who, unmarked inside the box, crashed home a right foot volley past the helpless Kilmarnock keeper.

The second half continued in much the same fashion as the first with Spartans camped inside the Kilmarnock half. Within minutes of the restart substitute Sarah Archibald, who had come on at the break for McKean, sent a glancing header just past the right hand post. Clelland drove down the left wing and after twisting and turning past three players, sent a cross to the far post to Archibald who rose above her marker only to send her header wide of the mark.

Within the space of five minutes Archibald had two more opportunities to score however an off the line clearance by Rachel Webb and the frame of the goal prevented the midfielder from getting her first of the season. With 60 minutes gone, Clelland broke clear down the left wing and sent a low cross over to Barry who, with her back to goal, laid the ball back to Archibald who curled a left foot shot towards the bottom right hand corner. However, even though the ball was sailing past the outstretched hands of keeper Grant, defender Webb managed to get back to clear off her own goal line. Minutes later Archibald won herself a free kick on the edge of the Kilmarnock area after being barged off the ball and the Spartans Number 12 stepped up only to see her curling right foot shot smash off the bar and away from the danger zone.

Spartans did finally break the second half deadlock with ten minutes to go with centre half Louise Moultray heading home her first goal for the club. Spartans were awarded a corner which Clelland took from left to right and sent a cross to the far post where Ashley Nicolson, who had peeled away, headed back towards goal. Moultray, who was positioned just inside the right hand post connected with the ball and sent a glancing header into the back of the net.

The home side continued to press for more goals and came close to increasing their five goal advantage minutes before full time with Nichola Sturrock sending a fierce left foot drive towards goal only to see the keeper tip onto the post and away for a corner.

Head Coach was pleased with her team’s overall performance and felt her team dominated from start to finish. She said: “I think we set a very high tempo in the first half, scoring four goals – the second half we let it drop a wee bit but we were frustrated by how Kilmarnock defended. They defended very deep inside their own final third so it was difficult to break them down and find space to penetrate them but overall happy with three points, five goals and a clean sheet.”

Teams:

Spartans: Rachel Harrison, Ashley Nicolson, Heli Hakkinen, Victoria Farquhar (Louise Moultray, 45mins), Chloe Fitzpatrick, Louise Magilton, Danni Pagliarulo (Nichola Sturrock, 70mins), Lana Clelland (Rebecca Galbraith, 80mins), Molly McKean (Sarah Archibald, 45mins), Louise Mason (Ann Taylor, 70mins), Diana Barry.

Unused Substitutes: Sarah Ewens

Kilmarnock: Lauren Grant, Becky Haddow, Alana Black, Nicole Murray, Rachel Webb, Katie Patterson, Samantha McManus, Kirsty Munro (Natalie Huggen, 65mins), Jo Casey, Morgan Hunter, Kayleigh Weeks

Dougie Samuel takes charge at Spartans

Douglas Samuel has been appointed senior team manger at Spartans. A statement posted on the Ainslie Park club’s website today confirmed his appointment and that of Neil Irvine as assistant boss. Dougie, a former club captain, is currently development manager at the club.

The Spartans statement says:

‘We are delighted to announce Douglas Samuel as the manager of our Senior team. As most of you know Douglas has been head coach of Edinburgh University FC for the last nine seasons since leaving us as a player. Douglas outlined his plans to the Executive yesterday afternoon and we were delighted to select him and his team to help us move forward over many seasons to come. Neil Irvine will be Douglas’ assistant manager. Neil was also a player with us before supporting Douglas at the University.

Chairman Craig Graham said “Douglas and Neil’s management and coaching pedigree make them the perfect choice. We have ambitious plans over the next five years plus and Douglas will spearhead our on field developments. As well as being manager of our Senior team Douglas will have oversight of our Junior, U21 and U19 set ups to ensure we align all our efforts”.

Douglas will be meeting our players over the next couple of weeks and we look forward to announcing our squad for next season at the end of the month. Douglas’ full coaching and player development team will also be announced over the next couple of weeks’.

Ainslie Park strife follows management departures

Mike Lawson, the former co-manager of Spartans, spoke out against the hierarchy of Spartans Football Club this week after he and Sam Lynch were relieved of their duties at Ainslie Park.

In an explosive interview with the North Edinburgh News, Lawson blasted members of the board for forcing the pair out and believes they have been trying to do so for “four or five years”. Match secretary Jimmy Murray resigned following the decision to dump the co-managers, saying he “wanted nothing to do with the committee’s decision to sack Sam and Mike.”

There was no sign of any ill-feeling towards the former management pair from the man that took the decision, though. Chairman Craig Graham said: “We are embarking on a five-year plan with licencing, the introduction of a Lowland League and hopefully a place in the SFL. The committee decided that this was a good time to change as we want to build and introduce young players. We are an ambitious club with excellent facilities.”

Preferring to focus on the positives of their time at the club, Castle FM sports reporter – and Spartans supporter – Cameron Hobbs heaped praise on the duet that has seen the north Edinburgh club win several trophies over an 11-year spell, describing them as “legends”.

He said: “As far as I’m concerned Mike and Sam are Spartans legends. In my time as a fan of the club I’ve seen us go on several Scottish Cup runs, beating several SFL sides. I’ve seen us win every single cup we can – out with the main Scottish Cup. Nobody can take away what great servants they have been to Spartans and I’m therefore sad to see them leave.”

As much as Hobbs is disappointed in the departure of Messrs Lawson and Lynch, he is confident in the future of the club and sees it developing further.

He added: “I believe we still have a very exciting future ahead. We will continue to focus and drive forward to hopefully play our way into the Scottish 3rd Division and beyond. The Spartans fan base is ever growing and I’m already looking forward to next season.”

Alan Clark

Lawson slams Spartans over duo’s sacking

Mike LAWSON, co-manager of Spartans with Sam Lynch for the past 11 seasons, has lifted the lid on the turn of events at Ainslie Park which saw the pair leave the club earlier this week.

While Spartans have suffered a rare season without silverware, the loss of their East Seniors Premier Division title on the final day of the season to nearest rivals Stirling University and then defeat in the King Cup final to the same side, apparently masked much deeper schisms in the managerial set-up.

Lawson was today keen to set the record straight.

“Craig Graham [The Spartans chairman] telephoned me on Monday to tell me Sam and my services were no longer required,” he said. “In over 20 years of football management I’ve made a few mistakes but the biggest was staying with Spartans after I walked out of a meeting held a couple of days after our pre-season game against Manchester United last July.

“Match secretary Jimmy Murray, along with Sam Lynch, had persuaded me to join the club 11 years ago and it was only for them and the players that I stayed.

“At that first meeting, Sam and I had with the committee since the previous successful season, you’d have thought the first thing on the agenda would be some sort of congratulations? On the contrary, with every domestic trophy you can win in the East of Scotland League sitting on the cabinet behind us, they laid into Sam and me with a list of things they weren’t happy about.

“I told Sam I wasn’t listening and walked out. I should never have gone back. I was never a ‘true’ Spartan but Sam had been with the club as a player, coach and manager for over 20 years. He is the most successful manager the club will ever have and the first in its 60-year history to be sacked.

“Managers at Spartans have always been ex-players who all knew when it was time to move on. Sam has been there longer than any and his success warranted it. He wasn’t ready to go and should never have been pushed. His treatment has been shoddy and his sacking a disgrace.

“Since Monday I have found out that the committee have been trying to get rid of Sam and me for four or five years and I now know who has been trying to force us out. Our continued success must have been grating. It’s, dare I say it, ‘not in the Spartans way’ – more Roman and ‘Et tu, Brute?’

“Sam deserves much better. He’s worked for the club for nothing. As well as helping me with the first team, he’s pulled together the youth and Junior coaches to help develop our promising youngsters and, unknown to me, he enrolled the two of us on SFA Coaching courses to help with club licensing. I’ve since found out that he paid for that himself.

“I still have a hunger for the game and hope to stay in football in some capacity.”

Lynch, who had a successful playing career with Spartans before coaching and managing the club for the past 20 years, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my time as a player and as a manger with Spartans. I have worked with some great people and I have nothing but fond memories although I am disappointed at the way it has ended.

“I wish whoever replaces us every success and that they help move the club forward and into the SFL. I will never lose my affection for The Spartans.”

Murray, who joined Spartans as match secretary as the same time as Lawson and has since been a committee member and latterly a director, resigned on Monday before Lynch and Lawson were relieved of their duties saying he “wanted nothing to do with the committee’s decision to sack Sam and Mike.”

Craig Graham, The Spartans chairman, said: “We are embarking on a five-year plan with licencing, the introduction of a Lowland League and hopefully a place in the SFL. The committee decided that this was a good time to change as we want to build and introduce young players. We are an ambitious club with excellent facilities.”

An early favourite for the vacant position is certain to be the successful Edinburgh University head coach, Douglas Samuel, who is also the Development Manager at The Spartans Community Football Academy. Samuel previously played with Spartans while his assistant at Edinburgh University, Neil Irvine, is also a former player.

D-Day for local football clubs

Today is D-Day for two local football clubs, Spartans can win the East of Scotland Football Association Premier League if they can get get a victory when they visit Stirling University later today. However, Stirling Uni are also chasing the Premier Title and they need to take six points from their remaining two games. Its a different story for Leith Athletic who play in the same league but find themselves in a dog-fight at the bottom of the table and they visit Lothian Thistle at Saughton Enclosure today and Leith need a point from todays game to ensure they will be playing in the Premier League next week.

Check back on the NEN Blog later today to find out how both our local teams got on, we wish them both well.

Spartans seek coaching staff

Spartans Youth Section is currently recruiting new coaches for their Youth section age groups from 6 to 11 year olds.

Spartans are a SFA Quality Mark Community Club with some of the best facilities in the South East of Scotland.

All new coaches will be supported through their SFA Coaches Qualifications.

Interested? Please contact Stuart on 07816 753276.

North Edinburgh shows racism the red card

Last month saw the Show Racism the Red Card fortnight of action come to Spartans Academy and local people were able to take part in a multicultural football event organised by Spartans.

After the event Kenny said “We have sixty young people from the local area come along and take part, after the games the young people will be treated to some food from around the world, so its not just about the football. Today was an opportunity for young people from North Edinburgh to meet up and take part in the beautiful game. Spartans sees itself as a fabric of the North Edinburgh area and these events strengthen our relationships with young people and other service providers. Events like tonight can only be a good thing and will help make a positive contribution to the local community.”

To find out more about what goes on at Spartans give them a call on 552 7854.

Spartans fear Scottish Cup exit despite win

Local Football Club Spartans fear being thrown out of this year’s Scottish Cup because they fielded an ineligible player.

The Scottish Football Association is investigating the registration documents for forward Keith McLeod, who has been with the club for 10 years. McLeod played in Saturday’s 2-0 win away to Culter in the second round.

Co-manager Mickey Lawson said: “We are hoping for a fine or a replay, but we fear we will be thrown out.”

Lawson, whose side have been drawn at home to First Division side Partick Thistle in the third round, explained that the problem could come down to a clerical oversight. The player’s registration form was sent to the SFA at the start of the season, in accordance with the national association’s rules.

But his form was sent back to the club because there was a mistake – and Lawson fears that it was never returned to Hampden Park.

Spartans chairman Craig Graham said “We are awaiting to be advised of the next steps.”

Graham did not wish to comment further until being contacted by the SFA.

However, the club’s website states: “Obviously we may not be in the next round.”

The SFA, which will call Spartans to state their case on 10 November, said in a statement: “A notice of complaint has been issued by the compliance officer to Spartans FC in relation to an alleged breach of Cup Competition Disciplinary Rules during the William Hill Scottish Cup match between Culter FC and Spartans FC on Saturday 22 October 2011.”

Midfielder Gavin Malin had put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot after 23 minutes in Aberdeen against the North Superleague junior champions.

Jordan Finnie sealed the victory after 83 minutes, but Spartans could now now miss out another day in the national spotlight against Thistle.

Spartans u19’s see off Dumbarton in tough Scottish Cup tie.

Local football side Spartans u19’s played host to Dumbarton on Sunday at Ainslie Park.

Despite the strong wind and heavy rain showers both teams played some attractive football, but unfortunately this game wont be remembered for the football it will be remembered for the ten players that were yellow carded and six players were sent off, all this despite there hardly being a bad challenge in the game.

Spartans took the lead in the opening ten minutes after some great play for James Cuthbertson, he went on a run down the wing and when he broke into the box his powerful shot was pushed away by the Dumbarton keeper Ryan Malley, Cuthbertsons’s persistence was rewarded and he had the simple task of heading the ball into the empty net.

Cuthbertson got his second of the afternoon when he was played in and as he broke away from the defence his perfectly placed shot nestled low in the corner of the net. On the half hour mark Cuthbertson got his hat-trick when he again broke away from the Dumbarton defence and the cool headed striker slotted the ball home.

Just as it was looking as if it was going to be Spartans day they were reduced to ten men when Daniel Shields was sent off for a deliberately tripping the Dumbarton striker Ryan Metcalf as he was bearing down on the Spartans goal. From the resulting free kick Dumbarton pulled on back when the ball was whipped in and fell to the feet of Gary McKell who smashed the ball past Ian McTurk in the Spartans goal.

Despite this setback Spartans still managed to sneak another goal before the halftime interval thanks to Callum Donnelly, he got on the end of a long ball forward and slotted the ball past the advancing keeper. Dumbarton felt they should have had a penalty just before the interval when the ball appeared to hit the hand of Lawrence Kidd but referee Ralph Gordon judged it to have been accidental.

On the hour mark Dumbarton were also reduced to ten men when Metcalf appeared to take a dive in the Spartans box and the young striker gave the referee no option having already been cautioned earlier in the match. Dumbarton started to get on top for a spell and Reece Pearson picked the ball up in midfield and his powerful shot beat McTurk but crashed of the woodwork before the danger was cleared.

Pearson did get one back when he got on the end of a cross and his shot beat McTurk and landed up in the net. A melee then ensued in the Spartans goals and Dumbarton’s Gary McKell lashed out at McTurk leaving the Spartans goalkeeper lying on the ground and the referee had the simple task of producing the third red card of the afternoon.

Pearson got his second of the afternoon when he broke into the Spartans box and as the danger looked to be cleared by the defender the ball came off Pearson’s leg and over the McTurk and into the net.

Chris Keddie was then played but the assistant referee had judged the ball was out off play, Keddie made his feelings about the decision clear and after a verbal tirade at assistant referee Peter Peace promptly became the fourth player to be dismissed.

With only a few minutes remaining Alan Longmuir almost levelled it when he got the end of a cross and his powerful header from close range went just wide of the target.Into injury time and just as it appeared all the action was over Dumbarton’s Glen Campbell put in a wild tackle on Paul Henderson leaving the player requiring treatment and Campbell became the fifth player to be set packing. After his challenge there was a coming together of a few players and on receiving advice from his assistant referee, Ralph Gordon produced a sixth red card to Spartans Isaac Imrie.[slideshow]

Spartans will now face St Johnstone in the next round of the Scottish Cup.

This Weeks Community Councils Meetings

This weeks Community Council meetings in north Edinburgh are:

Granton & District Community Council meets on Wednesday 25th may 2011 7.00pm at The Spartans Football Academy and on the same night its the AGM of the Drylaw & Telford Community Council at 7.00pm in Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre.

Eddie Thorn from the North Edinburgh News is a guest speaker at the Drylaw & Telford Community Council AGM. Come along and hear all about the exciting news from the NEN.

Are you going along to either of these meetings? if so would you be willing to report on the what has happened? If yes then please get in touch with us.

What else is going on in North Edinburgh this week? Please leave a comment below and we will try and get along to cover it.