Horribine the hero as late goal takes Spartans into final

Spartans reached their first cup final for nearly two years with a dramatic 2-1 Football Nation Qualifying Cup semi-final win over Gala Fairydean Rovers at Ainslie Park.

Dean Horribine struck at the death to clinch Spartans' final place

Both sides left it late to find the net. Jack Beesley continued his return from injury by coming off the bench and netting the opener with just 11 minutes left after finishing a cross from George Hunter.

Beesley then turned provider for Jamie Dishington, who hit the woodwork soon after.

With five minutes to go, it looked as if Gala had forced the hosts into extra-time for the second successive game when substitute Ross Lamb levelled. However, Dougie Samuel’s men found a late goal to win it when Dean Horribine thumped home from close range in the 92nd minute.

Spartans await the winners of the East Kilbride v Civil Service Strollers tie – postponed last night – in the final.

Elsewhere, Stirling University came out on top against their Edinburgh counterparts in the Ferrari Packaging Lowland League, a first-half Chris Geddes strike enough to claim the points.