Spartans Hit the Summit as Stowe Strikes Again

Dougie Samuel’s Spartans welcomed Forfar to the Van LQ Stadium for a League Two scrap. Plenty of players caught the eye – for the Loons it was Angus Mailer, Marc McCallum and Martin Rennie, while for Spartans the standouts were Jamie Dishington, Paddy Martin and, of course, Mark Stowe.

The Spartans are top of League Two and, honestly, who’s surprised anymore? They saw off Forfar thanks once again to that man Mark Stowe – the form player in the division right now, and he’s not even pretending otherwise. Another game, another goal, and another nightmare shift for whoever’s unlucky enough to mark him.

Forfar had their moments, but let’s be real: it would’ve been one-way traffic without the valiant efforts of Marc McCallum. The Loons’ keeper pulled off save after save, keeping the scoreline from running away. At the other end, Paddy Martin was as solid as ever, making sure Spartans never looked under real threat.

It hasn’t always gone Spartans’ way in recent seasons, but this feels different. This feels like the start of a campaign that could end with play-off football – maybe even promotion. They’ve got momentum, belief, and a forward in red-hot form leading the line.

As for Forfar, there’s no shame in the defeat. With some excellent signings over the summer, they look much better equipped than in previous years. A season spent looking up the table – rather than nervously over their shoulder – should be the aim. No repeat of those relegation battles if they keep this up.

Spartans won’t get carried away, though. Dumbarton, Annan and East Kilbride are all lurking, ready to pounce. But right now, it’s the capital club flying the flag at the top – and they don’t look in any mood to give it up.