Late goal rescues Spartans FC Whites in fiery encounter

In an end-to-end affair, Spartans FC Whites came away 1-0 victors against North Merchiston FC in their U17 South East Region YFL Division 1 matchup.

It did take until the dying breaths of the game, but Harry Kaye rose and smashed his header home after a great run of play.

Spartans kicked the game off and dominated for the opening portion, getting forward but the North Merchiston FC defence stood strong, and that carried on for the remainder of the game.

Despite the Spartans’ strong start, the first two shots of the game came from North Merchiston, in their “route one” style of play, but both were hit off target.

There were not any more out-and-out chances in the first half because both defences stood strong.

Two distinct and different play styles were seen in the opening 45 minutes, Spartans liked to keep it tight and kept the possession well and that worked for them. For North Merchiston, it was the previously stated route one approach that worked best, but that’s not to discount the smooth play that they had within their midfield.

The second half was much like the first, it had some chances, but nothing was concrete.

Daniel Kulig had a great start to the second half in goals for North Merchiston, a good athletic save to tip out a powerful Spartans shot. Kulig also dealt with another powerful shot well, a great effort from outside the box struck the crossbar and Kulig managed to parry it to safety over the attackers.

North Merchiston were through on goal at around the 75-minute mark and the shot forced a great, low, and calm save from Spartans’ goalkeeper Sean Callan.

The last ten minutes saw a heated back and forth, tackles going in, and shots on goal. Everyone was up for it and wanted the glory, but it went deep into stoppage time where Harry Kaye met a cross from Patryk Mrowczynski which hit the underside of the crossbar and went in causing the team to go mental.

Spartans FC Whites Player of the Match: Harry Kaye

A great performance in the middle of the park for Kaye capped off with the goal at the end. A shoutout should be given to Bryn Logan, also in the centre of midfield who kept the style of play smooth and the tempo fast.

North Merchiston FC Player of the Match: Lachlan Kunnath

Kunnath was strong and dominant in midfield for North Merchiston FC, great with his height and using it well, the midfield maestro. Finlay McCreadie was also great at right back, setting the stage with his crunching challenges.

Spartans FC Whites’ Magic Moment:

A game that was so back and forth needed its defining moment, a heated game which was closely contested was decided by one passage of play, Harry Kaye’s goal.

North Merchiston FC’s Magic Moment:

Daniel Kulig’s athletic save at the start of the second half to keep his side in it picked his team up and gave them motivation to go on.