The Spartans claimed the final Edinburgh Derby bragging rights of the season with a 0-3 victory at Meadowbank Leisure Centre in dreich and windy conditions.
Spartans Gaffer Douglas Samuel took charge for the 600th time under his tenure, yet another magnificent milestone achieved during a 14 year career at the helm so far.
With the wind blowing a hoolie, it had all the hallmarks of becoming the proverbial game of two halves and whilst that was how the afternoon was to transpire, there was an early chance for Mark Stowe who managed to get the ball on the deck before getting in the first attempt of the afternoon that was deflected behind.
If Stowe’s chance was close, his through ball to James Craigen saw another opportunity that went inches wide as the Spartans stand-in skipper sent a deft chip over the advancing keeper but could only look on as the ball drifted agonisingly wide.
Paddy Martin was then called into action for the first time and he had to be in fine diving form to tip a wind-assisted long range effort over the bar.
Ayrton Sonkur must have thought he’s opened the scoring on the half hour mark when his header from inside the box was appearing netbound, only for it to be cleared off the whitewash between the sticks and to safety.
There was to be one final piece of action inside the City box when Mark Stowe went down under a challenge that was neither deemed a penalty or simulation by the match officials.
HT: Edinburgh City 0-0 Spartans
An early challenge by Paddy Martin who raced out of his area as a makeshift centre half to win a 50-50 left both players requiring treatment such was the commitment from both for the ball.
Then, on the hour mark, Spartans took the lead. James Craigen’s inswinging corner found Ayrton Sonkur who headed back across and within the plethora of bodies at the post, Marc McNulty got the last touch to score possibly his closest ever finish.
Moments later, Cammy Russell entered the fray when he replaced Steven Lawless.
Midway through the half and there was further light put between the sides when Mark Stowe’s corner kick swung in the air and when it came back down, it evaded everyone in the box and nestled in the City net.
A couple of changes followed with Paddy Martin unable to shake off his earlier knock replaced by Blair Carswell and there was also a swap involving Bailey Dall for Jordan Tapping.
With a quarter of an hour left on the clock and the rain still lashing down, there was further light put between the sides when Spartans completed a hat-trick of goals from corner kicks. Mark Stowe launching it to the edge of the six yard box and Ayrton Sonkur used his strength to get in between defenders to bullet home the header.
Further changes saw Callum Booth and Archie Wylie add to their appearance tallies in place of Ethan Drysdale and Marc McNulty.
City, having used their quote of subs were forced to play out the final ten minutes with as many men.
Blair Carswell had one opportunity to shine in that remaining period with a fantastic diving save that saw a strong arm divert the ball to safety and ensure the clean sheet was kept intact.
FT: Edinburgh City 0-3 The Spartans
Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Bradley Whyte
