THE Spartans FC were defeated 3-1 at home by Elgin City in a League Two clash at Ainslie Park on Saturday.
Goals from Kyle Girvan, Oliver McDonald and Dylan Gavin gave the away side all three points.
Spartans head coach, Douglas Samuel, said: “I thought it was a good game. I actually thought that over the piece we played well, and I think 3-1 probably flattered them slightly.
“We started the second half really well and we were on top, the key thing was that we didn’t score in that 20 minute spell. I think if we scored, there’s a good chance we might go on and win the game.”
Following an energetic start from both sides, Elgin went ahead in the 12th minute.
After an initial save from Spartans goalkeeper Blair Carswell, Elgin defender Kyle Girvan followed in and headed in from close range.
Spartans were soon on the hunt for an equaliser, and in the 36th minute, a ball was whipped into the box from the right.
Spartans skipper Blair Henderson was bundled over in the box by goalscorer Kyle Girvan for a penalty.
Henderson, who had not scored in nine games, stepped up and coolly dispatched his penalty into the bottom left corner- sending Elgin City goalkeeper Aiden Glaven the wrong way for 1-1.
Spartans carried their momentum into the second half.
Midfielder Bradley Whyte drove forward from midfield past three Elgin players before getting a shot off- but it was comfortable for Glavin in goal.
Spartans racked up nine corners throughout the match. Elgin City’s defence stood strong, with centre-back Lyall Booth impressing in particular- making several headed clearances for his side.
Elgin manager Allan Hale’s substitutes undoubtedly changed the game.
Forward Oliver McDonald was only on the pitch for a few minutes before getting on the scoresheet.
After winning the ball on the left-wing, he took on two Spartans defenders before cutting in and unleashing a great strike from outside the area into the top right corner for 2-1.
It was a sucker punch for Spartans who looked promising in the opening 20 minutes of the second half.
The home side tried to get themselves level once again, but ultimately ran out of steam.
Spartans’ best chance to equalise arrived through Bradley Whyte, after another great delivery from out wide – but his headed effort was easy for Glavin to catch in goal.
Elgin put the game to bed in the 89th minute though, when Oliver McDonald made a good run down the right wing.
McDonald whizzed a low ball into the box, finding striker Dylan Gavin for a tap-in- his first goal of the season.
The defeat makes it six games in a row without a win for Douglas Samuel’s Spartans side.
Elgin City are now just two points behind league leaders East Fife, remaining unbeaten this season in League Two.
The two sides will switch their focus to their Scottish Cup second round fixtures next week.
Elgin City face fellow League Two side Clyde on Saturday 26 October, kick-off at 3pm at Borough Brigs.
Spartans will play Lowland League side Cowdenbeath on Saturday 26 October, kick-off 3pm at Ainslie Park.
