East of Scotland Premier League, Saturday 5th August 2006

Whitehill Welfare 1 Spartans 1

Welfare welcomed Allan Cornett back into the side at right back and Liam McKenna was pushed into a right midfield slot. Sean Woodburn was partnered at the back by the versatile Andy Doig. Kevin Swain kept his place in goal with regular number one of the last two seasons, Ryan McGurk, on the bench.

An evenly contested first half was punctuated by a series of offside decisions and both keepers were alert to any danger that came their way. Nicky Walker was causing Spartans all sorts of problems with some direct running and tenacious play down the Welfare right wing and but for the offside flag and one point blank save from Brown, Welfare would have gone in deserving a lead if they had only enjoyed better luck in front of goal.

Keith McLeod of Spartans ensured his team-mates would need to put in a tremendous effort when he was red-carded for a petulant kick after winning his side a free kick. Instead of having a bad effect it reenergised Spartans and they attacked in waves with Swain on top form and the home back four putting in some telling tackles and blocks. Whitehill then had a gilt-edged chance to open the scoring when a fine cross from left found him with only Brown to beat inside the six-yard box but his shot was weak and went straight at the grateful visiting keeper.

Mid-way thought he half, Henretty put the ten men ahead after a quick break down the left and the tempo of their play certainly merited some reward.

Welfare struggled to up their game and Spartans continued to enjoy the better of the exchanges. Tim looked to be running out for Welfare when they won a corner in the last minute of injury time. Nicky walker flighted the ball to the back post, Andy Doig headed back to the other side of the goal and Wayne McIntosh headed home to a gusty roar of approval from the home fans. The Welfare players all wanted to congratulate Wayne but they had a job catching him!

Over the piece, Welfare just about deserved a draw and not for the first time in their history, they snatched an important last minute goal!

Whitehill: Swain, Cornett, Lee, Woodburn, Doig, McKenna, Christie, Hart, W. McIntosh, McDonagh, Walker. Subs: Wilkes, C. Fisher, S. Fisher, McEwan, McGurk.