A sub-editor on The Scotsman has begun making the headlines on the sports pages as well as writing them.
Phil Johnson, who joined the paper three years ago from the weekly Southern Reporter, plays for non-league Edinburgh-based football team Spartans, who are on a giant-killing run in the Scottish Cup which has seen the midfielder grab two goals.
This Saturday, Spartans travel to Second Division Arbroath for a third-round tie.
After dumping Buckie Thistle 6-1 in the first round, Spartans had two epic matches against Second Division Alloa Athletic in the second round, ultimately winning a replay 5-3 after an exciting 3-3 draw.
The victory brought a happy headache for Johnson, who as match programme editor had to scramble around for a printer with most closed over the festive season.
Spartans are second from top in the East of Scotland League, and recently had an unbeaten run of 16 matches.
Johnson, who is penning a personal diary for The Scotsman before and after each cup tie, told Press Gazette: “Writing the personal column has been great fun but I get a lot of hassle from my teammates at training as they try to ensure that they get an honorable mention.”
A minibus full of Johnson’s colleagues, including sports editor Donald Walker and racing correspondent Jim Kean, will be making the trip to Arboath to cheer on their man, and hoping for a victory which will ensure a plum tie against one of the big guns in the fourth round.
By Hamish Mackay
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