Spartans triumph in thriller

Preston took an early lead when club captain Kevin Morrison scored in the fifth minute.

Spartans equalised when Ali Mackinnon was on hand at the far post to slam the ball home.

Spartans took the lead on 32 minutes through Henretty’s 20-yard screamer and two minutes later Chris Anderson waltzed past three Preston defenders before slotting the ball into the corner of the net.

On 78 minutes Preston were given a lifeline when O’Donnell brought down Nwanze just as the sub looked set to knock home Sean Martin’s pass. The referee had no choice but to red card the Spartans right back. Martin made no mistake from the spot.

With six minutes to go Preston were back on level terms through Nwanze. But in the third minute of injury time Spartans were awarded a free kick 25 yards out. Beesley sent the ball over the wall and it flew into the net.

Preston Athletic: Gilbertson, Colquhoun (Newby 46), O’Hara, Barr, Morrison, Cherrie, Cairnie (G McCormack 63), Scott, Martin, Arthur, S McCormack (Nwanze 72). Subs: Nisbet, Kerr.

Spartans: Gilpin, O’Donnell, Cennerazzo, Sivewright, Mackinnon, Grant, Whatley, Manson, Henretty (Bremner 60), Beesley, Anderson (Wringe 76). Subs: Laird, Hawkins, Flockhart.