Spartans edge through in Scottish Cup but City bow out to lower league side
Spartans are through to the fourth round the of the Scottish Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lowland League title-chasers Bonnyrigg Rose.
Kieran Watson stabbed home the opener in the ninth minute at New Dundas Park following a Spartans corner, and the visitors doubled their lead just three minutes later when Mark Stowe curled a stunning free-kick beyond Rose No.1 Marc Anderson from 25 yards. The home side reduced the deficit 10 minutes later from the penalty spot, Neil Martyniuk calmly finishing from 12 yards.
Both sides had chances to increase their goal tally in the second 45 but Dougie Samuel's League Two leaders stood firm to advance to the fourth round.
Goalscorer Stowe said afterwards: "It's a hard place to come. The pitch cut up a bit so we're buzzing and can start dreaming of the draw. We knew we weren't going to get a lot of chances so set-pieces were going to be massive and thankfully we scored from two."
Meanwhile, Edinburgh City are out after going down 2-1 away to East of Scotland Premier Division outfit Camelon Juniors.
Following a goalless first half at Carmuirs Park, Ross Kavanagh headed home the opener only for Lewis McArthur to level the tie up with just nine minutes left to play.
However, a last-gasp winner from Dean Watson meant it was heartache for the Meadowbank club.
Tranent's visit of League One Inverness Caledonian Thistle unfortunately fell foul of the weather and was postponed. The game has been rescheduled for Saturday.