Lowland League round-up: Spartans put four past East Stirlingshire; Strollers held; Edinburgh Uni slump to 1-0 defeat; Tranent up to fifth after Braves victory

Spartans came from a goal down to register an emphatic 4-1 win over ten-man East Stirlingshire.

In an action-packed evening at the Falkirk Stadium, the hosts seized an eighth-minute advantage through Scott Honeyman.

But that was as good as it got for the former SPFL outfit as full-back Kyle Ewing saw red midway through the first half for picking up a second booking.

Dougie Samuel's men capitalised on their numerical advantage ten minutes later when Cammy Russell sprung the offside trap and clinically finished into the net.

Spartans captain Ian McFarland battles for possession. Picture: Mark Brown.

Spartans made a couple of changes early in the second half and it paid off as substitute Sean Brown powered his header in from a cross less than ten minutes after replacing Ian McFarland.

The visitors increased their lead in the 73rd minute, this time Blair Henderson showing his threat in the air with an angled header into the corner.

Russell made sure of the points eight minutes from time with a well-drilled strike for Spartans' fourth of the evening.

Elsewhere, high-flying Civil Service Strollers dropped down to fourth in the standings after a goalless stalemate with Bo'ness United at Newton Park.

Edinburgh University went down 1-0 to Berwick Rangers at East Peffermill, former Livingston striker Liam Buchanan with the only goal of the game in the sixth minute from the penalty spot.

The students remain third from bottom with just two wins so far this season.

Meanwhile, newcomers Tranent Juniors are up to fifth after they swept aside Caledonian Braves 4-2 at Foresters Park.

Former East Kilbride striker Ross McNeil gave the visitors the lead in East Lothian, but Colin Nish's men turned the game on its head before the interval through Ben Miller and Kris Renton.

But a plucky Braves outfit found themselves level 12 minutes into the second half through Marc Kelly's composed penalty.

However, Tranent weren't to be denied and they regained the lead with 15 minutes remaining when Kieran Somerville rounded Chris Henry in goal to slot home.

Braves were reduced to ten when Scott Forrester saw red before Adam McGowan wrapped up the win in stoppage time with a fourth for the home side.