A wonder-strike by Sam Jones and a slick opener by Bradley Whyte either side of half time were enough to see Spartans proceed to the next round of the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup at the expense of hosts Newtongrange Star.

Former Star man Alan Brown was in the visitors line-up alongside Kevin Waugh who was up against his brother Dylan in the home side.

It was rumoured only Cher could turn back time however on the Spartans bench was former fans favourite Chris Flockhart, brought in as keeper cover.

The recent rain has allowed for some greenery on the surface however another few days of the wet stuff may have been needed to penetrate underfoot with the going most certainly of the ‘firm’ status.

Overhead conditions were blustery, observed by the trees swaying like your old man coming back from the pub at closing time.

Anyway, enough of this nonsense and on with the show!

Mikey Allan was up first to pose a problem with a strong run up the middle and his powerful effort forcing the Nitten keeper to push behind for a corner.  That was then whipped in, Kevin Waugh nipping infront of the goalie and it appeared to be guided behind again by a Defender’s head, but alas, the danger was halted with a goal-kick awarded.

Spartans continued to have the bulk of possession as they sought the opener.  Bradley Whyte’s lob effort was perhaps more in hope than expectation whilst a vocal contingent from the home support ensured the stand-side lino was aware of their consideration for his decision making prowess.

It looked like a stalemate was on the cards come the interval however it was Spartans who were to break the deadlock.

Bradley Whyte cutting across the edge of the box before wrapping his boot round the ball and sending an unstoppable drive beyond the keeper and into the bottom of the bag.

HT: Newtongrange Star 0-1 The Spartans

The opening quarter of the half saw little in the way of notable incident, save for perhaps an exchange of ideas between Kevin Waugh and the Ref over the legitimacy of an aerial challenge the Spartans man was perhaps unlucky to be pinged for.

With almost an hour played, perhaps an early contender for goal of the season paved the way for Spartans to be in the proverbial hat for the next round draw.

Blair Henderson was unlucky, not once, but twice, as bodies were thrown in his path as he tried valiantly to score.  The ball was cleared to just outside the box where Sam Jones caught it on the half volley and slammed it into the top corner.  He stood in suspended animation as the back of the net bulged and his team-mates swooped on him to congratulate a tremendous strike.

It was to be the last of the action for Jones who was withdrawn along with Scott Maxwell, making way for Jamie Penker and Gregor Woods.

A rare venture into the Spartans dangerzone almost came up trumps for the hosts and it was the width of the post that stood between an uneasy closing quarter of an hour and a clean sheet.

Further replacements came with fifteen to go. Cammy Russell and Rhys Armstrong – probably the last two players you’d want to see coming off the bench after running about in the sunshine – came on to replace McFarland and Dishington.

There was to be no additional goals and a rarity in talking points as the game closed out with Spartans shutting up shop at the back and it was another clean sheet for Blair Carswell, with father and former Newtongrange No.1 Alan watching on.

FT: Newtongrange Star 0-2 The Spartans

Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Bradley Whyte

The Spartans came from behind at a sun-soaked Peffermill to overcome Edinburgh University to secure a 1-3 win which saw Dougie Samuel’s side climb to 5th place in the Lowland League table.

After his midweek shift between the sticks and Friday night Under 20s clean sheet, Adam Meek took a deserved rest and Blair Carswell returned to his customary position as guardian of the goals.

The opening quarter of an hour saw Spartans camp inside the home half, shooting towards the goal where some 30 former University players were watching from the mound behind after their pre-match reunion.

When the Ref spotted a Uni player giving Blair Henderson a tug as he looked to get on the end of a move, the visitors were awarded a free-kick. Cammy Russell stepped up but his bendy effort had the keeper scrambling however it went narrowly wide.

With the mercury in the thermometer reaching 20 degrees, it was time for a agreed water break. A time to take on fluids and for the respective coaching teams to offer additional tactics.

It seemed to benefit the Students more than their visitors when they took the lead with ten minutes left of the half.

Spartans almost equalised ahead of returning to the sheds with Rhys Armstrong creating an opportunity for himself inside the box however he could only watch as his shot was semi-stopped by the keeper and hoofed to safety off the line.

HT: Edinburgh University 1-0 The Spartans

It took just two minutes after the break for the equaliser. Cammy Russell was fouled, not for the first time, and the free-kick to the back post found Jordan Tapping who nodding back into the path of Blair Henderson who poked home.

And within eight minutes of second half play, Jamie Dishington showed his acrobatic abilities by sending an overhead kick beyond the keeper into the net to put Spartans ahead.

Spartans had the bit between their teeth as they looked to add to their lead and close the game out. A great run by Jamie Dishington through the middle of the park allowed Cammy Russell to get in position to unleash a shot at goal, only to see it well saved by the keeper.

There was a second water break at the half way stage as the warm weather made for perfect spectating conditions but perhaps a little more draining for the players.

Drama followed in the 71st minute when Brad Whyte was shown a straight red for dissent and Spartans were forced to see out the game with ten men.

The numerical advantage however offer much by way of assistance to the Students and it was Spartans who netted next through Blair Henderson.

Henderson darted into the box between two defenders and was clipped along the way and the only direction of travel was south towards the lush green grassy paddock.

The prolific marksman dusted himself down and sent the keeper the wrong way to ensure three points were heading back to North Edinburgh.

FT: Edinburgh University 1-3 The Spartans

Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Sam Jones