Athletic win first battle of cups with Spartans

An inability to score and a torrential downpour afflicted both sides, forcing the game into time added on after a 90-minute stalemate. However, there then followed a flurry of goals in extra time with Leith triumphing by 2-1.

The result left Spartans with a second 2-1 cup final defeat in the space of just three days, and the margin of difference between the sides gives some indication of the type of intensity that fans can expect when attending tomorrow's Federation of Hibs Supporters Cup final between the same teams at the same venue (kick-off, 2pm).

Of the two goal-shy teams, Leith carried the greater threat throughout the game and had numerous chances to net the elusive goal.

William Bremner and Jason Stevens, the buzzing midfield pair, exchanged a delightful one-two to leave Bremner well-placed to shoot from 15 yards out but he skewed his shot wide of the right-hand post after ten minutes.

Spartans' defence had to keep a close eye on Leith's ambitious and attack-minded full-back Jamie Burstow as he powered up the flank in support of his midfield, and the Leith man, in one such instance, burst all the way through to the opposition penalty area only to strike his effort narrowly wide after being fed by Stevens.

The only cause for concern for Leith goalkeeper Matthew Banks in the first half was a David Stewart strike that benefited from an awkward bounce in front of Banks, only to cannon off the left-hand post.

There was more anguish for Leith in front of goal in the second half and Bremner came close. Both sets of players though struggled to piece together any cogent attacking play amid the now persistent and pouring rain, but drew on their goalscoring reserves to set up a three-goal thriller in extra time.

Having endured a frustrating evening, Darren Lavery finally pounced with a classic poacher's goal five minutes into the added half-hour, converting a right-wing cross emphatically.

Two minutes later, Leith added a second. From a high ball from the left, a clever headed flick by Lewis Tracey sent the ball to Stevens, who capped a fine individual performance with a half-volley past Jackson and into the bottom right-hand corner of the net.

Spartans only then came to life, earning and missing a penalty before teeing up a tense finish with a goal of their own. The industrious Scott Hunter, Reds' No.9, was bundled over in the box only to wobble at his spot-kick, sending the ball well wide from 12 yards.

The striker's header moments later at least made Banks work to pull off a superb save, and Alisdair Price picked up the resultant loose ball before netting from close range.

Leith Athletic: Matthew Banks, Christopher Barrie, Jamie Burstow, Liam Rafferty, Steven Lynch, Ryan Davidson, Jason Stevens, William Bremner, Jack Combe, Darren Lavery, Lewis Martin, Neil Lowson, Lewis Tracey, Stephen Barrie, David Menzies.

Spartans Reds: Murray Jackson, Liam Riordon, Alex Brown, Patrick Lewis, Lewis Kidd, David Stewart, Liam Donnelly, Greig Patterson, Scott Hunter, Steven McGinn, Sean Wringe, Connor Armstrong, James Hymers, Alisdair Price, Murray Gibb, Sean Pryde.