Original Moments. Unforgettable Memories.
The Spartans scored a major victory in the opening round, not only for themselves but for the East of Scotland League against Pollok – defeating the top Junior outfit after a replay.
Following a 1-1 draw in the first game that saw Bryan Dingwall opening the scoring for the hosts before a Nicky Walker penalty levelled proceedings and set up a return clash in North Edinburgh.
The standard of football was affected by the wintry weather conditions as rain and wind battered the exposed City Park ground seven days later and it looked like extra time was on the cards before Nicky Walker broke the deadlock in the 85th minute to set up a trip to Elgin.
Although Elgin City had initially won the third round tie 2-1, the SFA ordered the game to be replayed because both clubs had fielded ineligible players! Elgin played goalkeeper Joe Malin who they signed from Ross County on loan while Spartans had not registered youngster Dean Hoskins who came on as a late substitute.
An early dubious penalty put Elgin ahead however the East of Scotland underdogs fought back with Omar Kader and Gavin Malin finding the net to seal a 1-2 victory against the Third Division side.
It set up yet another away journey in the 4th Round, this time to First Division side Airdrie United. On a soaking wet early January day, a traveling Spartan Army support of over 500 plucky Spartans give their lofty opponents a huge fright in a narrow 2-1 loss.
Di Giacomo giving the hosts the lead midway through the first half before Lynch doubled the advantage in awful weather. Gavin Malin was on hand to narrow the deficit after the break as conditions worsened.
As the game progressed, the surface water came to Airdrie’s rescue holding the ball up with Donal Henretty attempting to race in on goal. When Keith McLeod’s late ‘goal’ was controversially ruled out, it just wasn’t to be and another giant-killing cup run came to a halt, but not before the team took the plaudits from both sets of supporters at full time.
