Spartans deliver knock out blow

ANNAN Athletic’s play-off dreams are all but over following a 2-0 defeat to title chasing Spartans at Galabank last Saturday. It was a bright start from the visitors, with both wingers looking dangerous and having the first two attempts on goal. Left winger Cameron Russell had the first shot of the game. He took on Ryan Muir but was forced wide, and his effort went over. Mark Stowe, on the other side, would have the second effort, after just six minutes, cutting inside past Cammy Clark and Aidan Smith, yet his left footed shot was tame and did not test Charlie Albinson. Spartans retained the majority of possession in the first 20 minutes, and they continued to create chances. A long throw was flicked on in the box by towering centre half Ayrton Sonkur. However, it was narrowly missed by Stowe at the back post, as he failed to connect. Jordan Tapping would be the next one to let fly on the 25th minute, as he took on an audacious long-range effort, but his shot would whistle over the bar. On the 38th minute Annan countered a Spartans attack when a Paul Smith tackle landed to Josh Dixon, who sent an enticing through ball down the right-hand side for the charging Charlie Maxwell to chase. Maxwell drove into the box and fired the ball across the face of goal, yet Aidan Smith was unable to get on the end of it. But the visitors soon opened the scoring just minutes before the half time whistle, through a Tapping header. The goalscorer won a freekick down the right, in a perfect position for Stowe to send a cross in. Tapping leaped above his man and knocked the header into the top corner. Annan looked more lively entering the second half. They had the first chance when Dixon forced Blair Carswell into a save. Ryan Muir would be next to create an opportunity in the 52nd minute, swinging a brilliant ball into the six-yard area and in behind the Spartans back four, however, nobody was there to meet the cross. Stowe came close to doubling the lead for Spartans when he cut in on his left yet again, yet Albinson stretched to make the save in acrobatic fashion and push the ball wide. Tommy Goss was presented with a great opportunity on the 80th minute, when Clark crossed from left back. The striker managed to find space in the box, but his header went wide of the post. Spartans would put the final nail in the coffin in the 85th minute through a Mark McNulty tap in. James Craigen sent in a corner kick right on top of Albinson. The goalkeeper failed to hold on to the ball and it landed to McNulty who doubled the lead. The Black and Golds would need to win their two remaining games, have results elsewhere go their way and hope for a nine-goal swing in goal difference in order to finish in the top four.