YFS
Although this game may not have looked like a thriller from the scoreline, it was interesting for several other reasons, most notably the fascinating tactical battle that played out in the second half as Leith tried to cling to their narrow lead and Spartans threw everything at them.
Right from kick off, Jordan Young tried a very speculative effort from just behind the halfway line, which Spartan goalkeeper Shaun Azam saved very comfortably.
The game settled into a general rhythm of a midfield-based fight, characterised by patterns of continuous headers and the occasional rather vicious tackle.
However, it was from a handball that the first and only goal of the game came.
Just past the ten minute mark, from just inside Spartans' half, and slightly away to the right, Leith won a free kick.
Young launched a swirling, high ball deep into the Spartan penalty area, causing havoc, as all the Spartan defence seemed to misjudge the ball, allowing the ball to fall straight into the feet of Brodie Watt, who coolly volleyed into the net.
It was a lead that Leith would never give up.
The rest of the opening period passed without much to comment, aside from another free kick that was taken by Young, although this was dealt with in a far more confident fashion by Leith, Azam saving easily.
The tackles were flying in, and by half time, it really was a wonder no one had been badly injured.
Half time came, with both teams feeling rather frustrated at the fact that their efforts had been significantly hindered by the solidness of the opposing defence.
