Spartans hit top gear to go four points clear at summit

Spartans moved four points clear at the top of the Central Taxis East of Scotland Premier Division with a 4-0 victory against a Selkirk side who defended resolutely but lacked a real threat up front.

Spartans started the game in top gear and the pace of their early attacks was breathtaking with the home side spraying the ball quickly all over the park. John Dodds, in the Selkirk goal, was in constant action to deny Keith McLeod, Dean Hoskins and Jack Beesley before he was finally beaten in the 18th minute when Gavin Malin hit a first-time shot into the net from 12 yards.

On the half-hour mark, Alex King scored with a low shot from 18 yards and early in the second half, an angular drive from Donal Henretty found its way behind Dodds before Robbie Manson hit the crossbar from the half-way line with Dodds out of his goal. Selkirk lost their discipline and Jay Wilson was sent off with 30 minutes left although it took Spartans until the 88th minute to score their fourth goal when Jordan Finnie scored from close range.

"I thought that we were fantastic," said Spartans joint manager Sam Lynch. "We started at a great pace, just where we left off against Selkirk on Saturday and we created so many chances. If it had not been for the quality of the Selkirk goalkeeper then the score would have been so much more."

In the second round of the King Cup, Lothian Thistle beat Preston Athletic 3-1, all the goals coming in the second half. Craig Stewart notched a double then Omar Ali scored with the aid of a wicked deflection before Preston's Greg McColl scored a late consolation. "We are delighted to be through to the next round and we remain unbeaten this year," said Lothian's joint manager Fraser Ogilvie.

Tonight, Edinburgh City host Whitehill Welfare in a King Cup second-round tie at Meadowbank Stadium (7.30pm).