Lothian Buses First Round Spartans Colts v Hutchie Vale Colts Nov 9^th

'With future rounds already drawn and potential opponents in Salvesen and Hutchison Vale, onwards progress in this trophy will be extremely testing. But before thoughts could turn to that of course, there was the matter of a potentially tricky away match against a big Spartans Colts side. Spartans have found wins hard to come by in the league, but on today's hard working performance they should not have much longer to wait to break their duck.

In the event they were up against a Colts team who have in recent weeks started to look like the team we know they can be, but were today missing Mark, although it was a welcome return for Dean who was available again.

Following a steady start, the Colts got their noses in front when Tony lofted a fine shot over the keeper. He was on hand a few moments later when, alert enough to get himself onto a fine pass from Daniel which left the Spartans defence flatfooted, he showed great composure to tuck away his and the Colts second. Nick then played in Bradley who got his name on the scoresheet. The provider and scorer were nearly reversed but Nick's shot sailed over after Bradley's mazy run down the left. Gavin who was patrolling the midfield took a pass before striding forward and cooly slotting the ball away. With Ben T on, it was not long before he made his mark and he fired a rocket across the keeper and off the post for his first and the Colts 5th. There was still time for Gavin to add his second before half time, taking the ball and driving forward to into the box and finishing well. Half time 6-0.

The second half kicked off with Ben picking up from where he had finished the first, tucking away his second from Daniel's knock down. Lee then got his name on the scoresheet with a shot from Ben's pass and although the keeper made a great save Lee was not to be denied and he knocked the loose ball home. Daniel nearly got on the scoresheet- a recurring theme during the game but one which should not mask a typically battling and dominating midfield performance when he took Ben's cut back first time - but his shot just cleared the bar. Lee got another when he showed great bravery getting to Ben's knock on before the keeper for the Colts 9th. And a few moments later it was a superb interpassing move which enabled Bradley to score the 10th.

With Tony hunting for a hat trick two opportunities presented themselves for him - firstly a great run down the left, finishing with a superb near post strike which the keeper blocked and then a few minutes later he must have thought his time had come when he hit a screamer which the keeper got a strong hand to palm over the top for a corner. Ben capped a fine performance when he got his hat trick though, finishing off Fraser's cutback following his incisive and powerful midfield run.

There were still chances but no more scoring, as firstly Daniel saw an opening and must have thought his shot was in when the keeper managed to throw a foot at the ball to divert it for a corner, then Chris played a superb ball in from the left which Billy, showing great technique, took first time and Daniel again whose snap shot was palmed away by the keeper. Final score 0-11.'