The Spartans were to claim the festive derby bragging rights courtesy of a second half spot kick by Blair Henderson that saw the hosts win 1-0 against Edinburgh City.
Captain Kevin Waugh returned to the starting XI for the clash of the Capital sides, with the Skipper looking to avenge proceedings in the corresponding fixture earlier in the season. There was also a starting berth for Rory Whittaker whilst Mark Stowe retired to the bench after his goal scoring efforts at Bayview seven days earlier.
An early free-kick for the visitors failed to trouble Blair Carswell whilst at the other end, a half chance for Spartans saw Cammy Russell pull his shot wide of the post as both sides look to gain an early advantage.
Cammy Russell was causing all sorts of problems down the main stand touchline with his direct play and tip-toed trickery. It was almost an opener from him in unconventional circumstances as he flung himself in a valiant attempt to redirect an Aaron Scott snap-shot net bound.
The industrious play-maker was then through on goal with only Weir to beat however the City keeper flung himself at the ball and what looked like his big toe being enough to direct the ball behind for a corner.
Another opportunity to break the deadlock came shortly afterwards when Bradley Whyte was set free in the box after some slack City defending offered him a shot at goal but the attempt went inches wide.
The Spartans defence continued to keep City at bay as the visitors looked to build on their six match unbeaten run they’d brought to add to and it was only down to Lewis Hunter’s incredible block at the near post that ensured the sides went into the sheds all square.
HT: The Spartans 0-0 Edinburgh City
No personnel changes at the break to report however there was a swap in conditions with the sweeping rain an unwelcome addition for players and supporters alike.
Russell was a post-width away from finally seeing the Village Hotels sponsored scoreboard requiring attention as his 25 yard free-kick had wall and Weir beaten, only for it to rebound off the upright before being hoofed to safety.
It was the fast feet of Russell that were the architect of the breakthrough after Gormley took them away inside the box and offering the Referee no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
Up stepped Blair Henderson who bulged the onion bag with a powerful penalty strike that sent Weir the wrong way and put Spartans into the driving seat.
With the home support just about finished celebrating Henderson’s goal, their cheers turned to jeers as Callum Booth was shown a straight red card for a challenge in midfield.
It set up a nervy final twenty minutes for a Spartans side keen to hold on to their solitary goal lead.
Danny Denholm and Mark Stowe were introduced in the 78th minute at the expense of Henderson and Scott.
With City pressing, James Craigen won a 50/50 deep inside his own half before embarking on a solo mission that ended with an audacious long range lob effort that was to land narrowly side of the target.
A final opportunity for the visitors to level came at the death with a free-kick on the edge of the box however the Spartans wall stayed tall to block and the rebound fell into the welcoming arms of Blair Carswell who notched up his 111th clean sheet for the side.
FT: The Spartans 1-0 Edinburgh City
