[Simplistic]

My first Spartans game of the season and a chance to see some of the new guys in action.

Right away I was delighted to see there was no charge to get into the game, I counted approx 110 there today too. Decent turn out for a friendly.

The standard of the football would not have done anything to put them off either.

Spartans, trying a new formation started on the back foot and for the first couple of minutes Star had most of the ball.

As the game went on Spartans started to take control, the new formation working well and the attackers making the most of the space they were finding.

I was very impressed with both Walker and Manson who looked excellent. Manson was all over the park and Walker was lightening fast, he chased everything and I am going to make the perhaps not that bold prediction that he is going to be one of the players of the forth coming season.

Walker scored the first at the second attempt, then Donal met a fantastic O'Donnell cross at the back post to make it 2. A slightly dodgy penalty right before half time allowed Star to make it 2-1 at the break.

Into the second half and Star started coming into the game more. Some rather odd Spartans defending meant they got a lot more of the ball in the final third after not really threatening much in the first half. Spartans at the other end were still getting space and chances, however the finishing was not enough to extend their lead.

Fowlie got caught on the wrong side of one of the Star attackers who worked into the box, then worked the ball into the goal. 2-2

There was distress on the sidelines. 4 subs were made with Burnsie, Young, Hare and Preston coming on. Last time I saw Preston play I commented he didn't looked like he was in the game at all, this time however I was much more impressed. Clearly his greek travels had not effected his game as he looked sharp right from the off.

Into the dying seconds of the game and after Kenny Young had wasted a fair few chances. Some great play outside the box from Hare and Preston resulted in a cross into the centre which Donal slotted home to win the game for Spartans 3-2.

A really good entertaining game where both teams clearly wanted to win. Typical scottish weather, roasting sun one minute and poaring rain the next!!

I just can't wait for next week......