SPARTANS are no strangers to claiming the bragging rights against Highland League opposition in the Scottish Cup and their 4-1 defeat of Fraserburgh in atrocious conditions in the north-east proved that the Edinburgh non-league club will once more be rated as potential giant-killers in this season's competition.
Spartans elected to play against a howling gale and freezing rain and were two goals up within 20 minutes. First, a Dean Hoskins free kick was prodded into the net by Donal Henretty before a Hoskins inswinging corner also found its way behind Paul Le
ask in the home goal, this time with the aid of one of his own players, Steven Main.
This lead prompted the band of Spartans Army regulars to break into a chorus of "You only sing when you're fishing" much to the amusement of a healthy crowd approaching the 500 mark.
Spartans controlled play in the opening 45 minutes although, after a tussle which saw Dan Gerrard and Fraserburgh's Main yellow carded, the tension was obviously too much for Fraserburgh boss, Charlie Duncan. He was upset at the assistant referee's involvement in this incident and vented his fury at the match officials. Duncan's 25 years service as manager of the Broch cut no ice with referee Greg Aitken had no alternative but to dismiss him from the technical area to the stand.
Fraserburgh gave themselves a lifeline only five minutes into the second half when Main, who had an eventful afternoon, clipped a 25-yard free kick around the defensive wall and into the net.
Henretty, who produced one of his best-ever performances in a Spartans jersey, then took off on a forceful run from his own half. He evaded at least four attempted tackles down the right touchline before he crossed a low ball which fell to Alex King and the midfielder stroked the ball into the net to settle the Spartans nerves.
Fraserburgh, who had defeated the East Juniors Super League champions Bonnyrigg Rose in the previous round, could not cope with Spartans' relentless pressure and Henretty sealed the victory with an individual goal. He ran straight at the heart of the Fraserburgh defence which parted like the Red Sea and rounded Leask to end the scoring.
There was still time, however, for Main – who scored a goal for each side – to be sent off for picking up his second caution.
It was a dejected Duncan who said: "We were beaten when we lost the toss. We are young and very naive and we were exploited by Spartans who bullied us all over the park."
Sam Lynch, the Spartans joint manager, was once again pleased that Spartans had come out on top against a Highland League club. "Fraserburgh had beaten Bonnyrigg Rose in the first round so winning up here was a great result for us and we are delighted.
"I thought that Donal Henretty was outstanding and showed a great attitude while Kevin Sivewright was playing in his very first Scottish Cup tie and he was also superb.
"The two early goals helped us and we played very well. At half-time we knew that the next goal was going to be vital and Fraserburgh scored it. We responded positively and overall we could actually have scored more goals.
"Now we could do with a home draw so that we can show off our new facilities at Ainslie Park. We have not had a home draw in the Scottish Cup since we were paired with St Mirren in season 2005/06."
