Spartans bow out of Irn-Bru Cup after shoot-out defeat

Spartans exited the Irn-Bru Cup at the first hurdle after a 5-4 penalty shoot-out defeat by East Kilbride at K-Park.
Gary Cennerazzo gave Spartans the lead inside three minutesGary Cennerazzo gave Spartans the lead inside three minutes
Gary Cennerazzo gave Spartans the lead inside three minutes

The match went straight to spot-kicks after a 1-1 stalemate between the Lowland League rivals. Gary Cennerazzo had given the Capital outfit the lead inside three minutes in South Lanarkshire, Willie Bremner breaking free of the home side’s defence to cross for his team-mate to convert from six yards. The visitors held their lead until just after the hour, when striker Ross McNeil poked the ball beyond goalkeeper Blair Carswell following a penalty box scramble. Both sides had chances to win the tie outright, Spartans substitute Blair Atkinson passing up a gilt-edged opportunity as he shot wide when through on goal with just three minutes remaining.

Former Kilby striker Jack Smith, who joined Spartans in the summer, was the only player to miss in the shoot-out as the hosts progressed.