Report: Braves suffer defeat to clinical Spartans

Despite the scoreline, it was a fairly even opening to the game, with debutant Liam Craig firing in a shot which was comfortable for Spartans goalkeeper Blair Carswell.

However, it was the hosts who took the lead after 10 minutes. After Jamie Dishington was played in behind the Braves defence, he managed to compose himself to slot the ball under an onrushing Chris Henry.

The Braves responded positively to the setback and almost found themselves level through Jamie Walker, who cut inside from the left touchline and fired a curling effort onto the post from the edge of the box.

It was the home side though who doubled their lead before the break. A corner from the left was met by Defender Mikey Allan who produced a powerful header towards goal. Henry was able to get a hand on the effort but was unable to prevent the ball from crossing the line, giving the hosts a two-goal lead going into the break.

The Braves found themselves back into the contest almost immediately after the restart. Marc Kelly found himself one on one with Carswell and made no mistake, slotting the ball in off the post for his 21st of the season.

Spartans were able to regain their two-goal cushion just five minutes later in what was a sucker punch for the visitors. The home side were able to break away with a long ball down the right side, with the eventual cut back finished clinically by Blair Henderson.

The third goal acted as a confidence booster for the home side who were under pressure from a resurgent Braves in the early stages, Liam Craig’s physical presence up front causing particular problems.

Spartans added their fourth goal 10 minutes after Henderson’s strike. Cammy Russell managed to break through the Braves defence on the left, maintaining his balance to finish at Henry’s near post.

A fifth goal for the hosts came with 15 minutes to go, with Russell scoring his second of the match with a low drive from the edge of the box.

In spite of the result, the Braves maintained their intensity throughout. Debutant Enzo Wright particularly impressed in midfield in a brief cameo from the bench.

This effort was in vain though as the Braves suffered a disappointing defeat in the Capital. Ricky Waddell’s side will hope to bounce back next weekend in the South of Scotland Challenge Cup at home to Bo’ness United at Alliance Park.

Nathan Hassett

Braves Media Team