A late Ethan Drysdale thunder strike was enough to separate the sides as The Spartans edged out Annan Athletic at the Vanloq Community Stadium and earn three valuable SPFL 2 points.
Spartans Gaffer Douglas Samuel reverted back to the same XI that defeated Forfar seven days earlier as the hosts entertained the Dumfries and Galloway outfit at home for the first time since 2008 when they locked horns in the East of Scotland League.
The opening exchanges failed to make any significant notable moments worthy of inclusion in this resume of events however this was interrupted by a defensive header destined for Paddy Martin being intercepted by Tommy Muir. He looked to lob the Spartans keeper who got a glove to the ball sending it onto the crossbar and remarkably staying out the net.
A few minutes later it was Martin and Muir going head to head once more with the Spartans stopper getting down low to thwart the Annan man from opening the scoring.
When Annan did have the ball in the net, the AR’s flag was raised instantly and the scoreboard remained locked at 0-0.
Cammy Russell went on a speedy mission to the bye-line before he attempted to find Mark Stowe at the back post, only for Zach Balfour to pluck the ball out the air.
HT: The Spartans 0-0 Annan Athletic
The only change at the break was that the rain was getting heavier, with summer football feeling like a mere distant memory.
Mark Stowe carved open an opportunity after a fine solo run, with a timely deflection seeing his effort from inside the box narrowly evading Balfour’s post.
Spartans made a triple change with the game hurtling towards the final ten minutes, with Kieran Watson, Ethan Drysdale and Brogan Walls replacing Booth, Welsh and Whyte.
The game looked like it was set for a stalemate finish however summer signing Ethan Drysdale had other plans.
A challenge inside the Annan half involving Brogan Walls saw the ball break to Drysdale who took a touch before unleashing an unstoppable rocket than flew beyond Balfour low into the bottom corner.
With only four minutes left on the clock, the scenes of celebrate were a mix of joy and relief in a game that at times matched the weather.
A brief period of injury time passed without any added excitement and Spartans held on for back-to-back clean sheet league victories.
FT: The Spartans 1-0 Annan Athletic
Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Paddy Martin
