Spartans FC Reds made the South East Region Cup their third piece of silverware of the season with a 3-2 win over Musselburgh Windsor in an engrossing match. They added to the Prison Officer’s Cup and the Victor Paris Bathrooms Cup with a glorious comeback. Musselburgh had been in front twice but lost the decisive third with 19 minutes to play.
Ross Greig struck first with a fabulous free kick to give them the lead, against the run of play, but Matthew Brady volleyed Reds level three minutes later. Lewis Kynoch restored Windsor’s advantage 12 minutes into the second half before Cameron Dawson headed another equaliser.
The eventual victors took the lead for the first and last time thanks to a composed finish from substitute centre back Jake McCreadie, and he and his team-mates saw off some late Windsor pressure to hold on.
Dawson had an early opportunity but was foiled by Jack Stewart, while Greig took advantage of some hesitant defending at the other end but sent his shot over the bar.
Spartans began to dominate the ball, and always looked to build through Lewis Hall and James Pringle in the middle of the park. Hall in particular was making things tick.
Dawson had a header blocked near the line before the same player had the ball in the net, only to be ruled offside when he tapped in at the far post.
Ross McLaren had a clear sight at goal for Musselburgh but his volley was held by Jamie Mitchell.
Greig earned his side the lead in spectacular fashion after 35 minutes. His Beckham-esque free kick bent over the wall from the right hand side and onto the opposite stanchion before ending up in the net.
The joy was short lived though when striker Brady evened it up. Oran Hosey crossed from the left and Brady met it first time on the volley which he buried past Stewart.