Marc McNulty hits double as Spartans strike late to snatch victory
A four-goal haul in 12 minutes ensured Spartans picked up an opening day victory over Annan Athletic.
Dougie Samuel's men trailed 1-0 at the interval at Galabank to a Charlie Maxwell goal before the same player added a second four minutes after the restart.
The visitors looked to be down and out until Brogan Walls gave his side hope with six minutes remaining with a close-range finish before James Craigen levelled it up with a stunning free-kick with 88 minutes on the clock.
Marc McNulty completed a remarkable turnaround two minutes later from the penalty spot and the former Hibs striker added a fourth from 25 yards to wrap up all three points deep into stoppage time.
McNulty, 33, said afterwards: "The performance, if I'm being totally honest, we were miles off it. Fair play to Annan, Wullie (Gibson) has got them well drilled and I thought for most part of the game they were the better team.
"But we got the goal back and I think that lifted us and gave us that energy. Once we got that, we were confident we'd go and get another. We had the momentum.
"It's still really early doors so there's still a lot to do. There's plenty from that game that we'll need to work on. It's a good group of lads we've got so we're only going to get better."
Elsewhere, Edinburgh City got off on the wrong foot as they lost 5-0 to Elgin at Meadowbank.
Jack Murray, Lewis Hyde, and a Josh Grigor own goal had the visitors three to the good after half an hour. Kyle Girvan and Jack MacIver completed the rout in the second half.
City are also starting the 2026/2027 campaign with a five-point deduction for an insolvency event encountered last season.
Meanwhile, Bonnyrigg Rose dropped their first points in Lowland League East after a 2-1 home defeat to Brechin City, manager Jonny Stewart saying: "I didn't think there was too much in the game, a draw was probably a fair result. but when you give away two goals like we did, you're going to get punished."
Tranent made it three from three with a 1-0 win over Linlithgow Rose while Civil Service Strollers edged out Cowdenbeath 3-2.