Gretna (2008) 2 Spartans 0

GRETNA FC (2008)               2 (1)

A.Inglis, I.Anderson

Spartans                                      0 (0)

Spartans, last seasons Lowland League Champions were beaten by Stuart Rome’s young guns, this was no shock result witnessed by the home support, Gretna bossed the game from the first whistle and the visitors couldn't get a foothold in the game. Iain Anderson leading the line was up against some robust challenges as the visitors defence used all their experience to try harness the young striker.

In the 10th.minute Gretna keeper Graham Wright had to look lively when Muhsin found himself free to strike from 12 yards but Wright pulled off a one handed save. Back down the other end Anderson broke through only to be barged off the ball outside the box with the Spartans defender clearing the danger. 

The home defence were keeping the Spartans forwards quiet with Adam Main and Darren Addison controlling the midfield. In the 35th.minute Dave Wallace went close with a header from an Inglis free kick. 

With the interval approaching Gretna’s Anderson was hauled down by Spartans Kevin Sivewright just outside the penalty area. Inglis strike was gathered by Swain at the left hand post.

Gretna took the lead when Inglis struck in spectacular fashion with an overhead scissor kick with Swain a mere spectator, 1-0 H/T.

Gretna took the field in the second half in determined mood to add to their one goal lead and Main should have done better with his chance when he intercepted a Spartans pass on the half way line. Outpacing the visitors defence Main blasted his shot wide of the target.

The home support got behind their team and were rewarded with a piece of quality play when Main put Slattery through down the left wing. Slattery produced a bit of magic to get past his marker and ran into the box where he picked out Anderson who slammed the ball into the net, 2-0.

As the game entered into the final minutes the visitors Motion was shown his second yellow card of the match and was sent off. F/T 2-0.

A good performance by an ever improving Gretna side as they begin to gel.

GRETNA FC (2008)

G.Wright, J.Blake, A.Inglis, S.Rudd, D.Wallace, D.Addison, B.Longcake, A.Main, I.Anderson, J.Slattery, Trialist. Subs : L.Todd, M.Worrall, D.Graham, J.Barker, R.Halliday, G.Thorburn, J.Greenall.

Spartans

K.Swain, A.Mackinnon, G.Cennerazzo, K.Sivewright, M.Bruce, K.Motion, C.Stevenson, S.Muhsin, R.Ross, W.Bremner, A.Brown. Subs : J.Beacher, J.Beesley, J.Grant, D.O'Donnell, R.Gilpin.