The mighty Spartans created one of the shocks of the William Hill Scottish Cup weekend when they defeated League Two side Clyde at Ainslie Park on an afternoon of high drama.
Clyde, now managed by former Rangers and Scotland star Barry Ferguson, were the firm favourites to win the tie but, a spell of pressure at the beginning of the second half apart, never looked like threatening the Edinburgh club.
In a game not short of controversial moments, Spartans Kevin Motion struck home two penalty kicks, one in each half, to send the vast majority of the 611 crowd home very happy.
The first spot kick came after 14 minutes when Spartan’s ever-dangerous Jack Beesley was brought down by Frances. Motion converted the penalty to put the home side a goal ahead.
Spartans had further chances to increase their lead but, after half-time, the visitors appeared to react to what may have been a stern talk from their manager during the break.
However, it was Spartans who scored again when McQueen fouled Willie Bremner in the penalty box and while the award of a penalty may have seemed harsh on the pink-shirted team from Cumbernauld, Motion struck home his second penalty of the game.
In the dying moments, Spartans Kevin Sivewright was shown a second yellow card, presumably for something he said to the referee but the home side hung on for a thoroughly deserved victory to ensure joyous scenes at the end.
Spartans now join fellow capital clubs Hearts and Hibernian in Monday’s fourth round draw. There may be an Edinburgh derby of a different sort in the next round of the Scottish Cup!
Author of The Team for Me - 50 Years of Following Hearts. Runs Mind Generating Success, a successful therapy practice in Edinburgh. Contact me if you want rid of any unwanted habits. Twitter @Mike1874
