Spartans see off League One title chasers to secure spot in Scottish Cup fifth round
Spartans managed to do - where both Hearts and Hibs failed - in securing their berth in the last 16 of the Scottish Cup.
Dougie Samuel's men played out a goalless 120 minutes against League One title chasers Inverness Caley Thistle, before prevailing 4-2 on penalties at the Vanloq Community stadium.
Goalkeeper Paddy Martin was the hero saving both David Wotherspoon and Chanka Zimba's spot-kicks from 12 yards, Kenzi Nair netting the decisive penalty. The hosts' Mackenzie Scott did see his effort saved by visiting shot-stopper Ross Munro. However, it's the League Two outfit who progress to the fifth round.
"I'm thrilled for everyone connected with the club and super proud of our players," Samuel told the Evening News. "They gave everything. They deserve so much credit for producing another memorable effort and performance. In recent years the club has achieved and enjoyed some famous cup wins. It took another huge collective effort for us to beat such a good side.
"Scott (Kellaher) has done a fantastic job since taking the reins at Inverness and has built a strong side. We rode our luck at times and, as you would expect, had to defend our box in numbers.
"Special mention must go to Paddy Martin who produced a man-of-the-match performance on the day. However, we also showed real togetherness and strong team spirit. Together with a will to win on the day which sometimes can be overlooked. We carried a genuine threat throughout the game in transition. For me Sparky (Marc McNulty) had his best game since returning to the club."
Meanwhile, League Two rivals Edinburgh City exited the East of Scotland Cup after a 3-2 defeat to Lowland League side Linlithgow Rose.
An entertaining semi-final clash at Prestonfield, City's goalscorers were Greig Allen and James Stokes.
Boss Michael McIndoe said afterwards: "Well done Linlithgow, they gave us a good battle. I really enjoyed it. For me it was about giving some of the players minutes because they need them. There's a lot of guys who haven't played a lot of football in the last three or four months so that's important. We're looking to do more business next week."