Spartans go nap against Edinburgh Uni as Bonnyrigg Rose maintain Lowland League title challenge

Spartans emerged with the bragging rights after they saw off city rivals Edinburgh University 5-2 at a rain-soaked East Peffermill.

It didn’t take the visitors long to pounce, Blair Atkinson latching on to a Blair Carswell clearance and the striker found the net from 18 yards in just the fifth minute.

Spartans doubled their advantage 12 minutes later from the penalty spot, Atkinson drawing a foul and Scott Maxwell converting from 12 yards.

The Uni’s Mark Waters then suffered concussion after a clash with Jack Smith and had to be replaced.

Dougie Samuel’s side extended their lead just before the half-hour mark, Smith tucking the ball home following Aaron Scott’s through ball.

The hosts reduced the deficit five minutes before the interval as Patrick Baird finished well.

Spartans restored their three-goal lead ten minutes after the restart as Maxwell grabbed his second of the afternoon, glancing home Scott’s corner at the near post.

The Uni were reduced to ten men when Stuart MacFarlane saw red for a tackle on Maxwell and Baird made it 4-2 with another astute finish. Smith ensured the points would be heading back to Ainslie Park with a deflected effort for the two-time league champions’ fifth of the afternoon.

Rose maintain title challenge

Elsewhere, Bonnyrigg Rose kept up their title push with a 3-0 win over Stirling University at Forthbank. Kieran McGachie’s header separated the sides at the interval before the advantage following George Hunter’s pass. Lewis Turner wrapped up Rose’s 17th league win of the season.

Strollers squeeze past Gretna

Craig Newall scored the only goal of the game as sixth-placed Civil Service Strollers edged out Gretna 2008 at Christie Gillies Park.