Spartans never posed any serious threat to the opposition goal despite at points managing to hold the ball in their last third and cause problems on the break. This was due to an outstanding Tynecastle defence who were flawless throughout.

Tynecastle on the other hand created many chances in what could have been a much more convincing result.

The game started slowly with no team keeping possession of the ball and the first chance came through an individual moment of brilliance. Greig Tulloch of Spartans made a fantastic run into the Tynecastle box from what seemed an impossible position. It was cleared away but it was an early sign of intent from Spartans.

However Tynecastle began to settle down and keep possession through midfield, leaving Spartans with only brief spells on the ball. It came as no surprise when Tynecastle midfielder Lewis Tracey played a beautifully lofted pass to Andrew Sinclair who was then brought down on the edge of the box.

It was a difficult decision for referee Bill Crombie but it seemed correct that it was only a free kick and not a penalty. The left footed Craig Wojtowyck then stepped up only to play a one two with the wall and send his second shot over the bar.

Tynecastle continued to overwhelm Spartans but Spartans did manage a swift counter attack in the 19^th minute. A rare poor clearance from the Tynecastle defence enabled Spartans full back, Liam Wilson to pick up the loose ball and he rifled the shot from 25 yards with his weaker foot. Kenneth Brown in the goal dived to tip the ball round the post in what was his only testing moment.

Tynecastle’s first goal came through their captain Stewart Thomson who ran a remarkable 50 yards with the ball at his feet to play a through ball to Andrew Sinclair. Sinclair then drove the ball across the box and through the scramble Chris Aitken’s rebounded shot found the net.

Tynecastle continued to attack and another goal seemed likely before half time. It was certainly one to remember and symbolised their play when on the attack. Goal scorer Lewis Tracey played the ball wide and continued his run into the box and with a diving header connected with Scott McDonald's cross. Spartans keeper Fraser Napier managed to get a hand to the ball but could not avoid the inevitable goal.

Tynecastle then capitalised further on their lead before half time through a Ben MacKenzie finish. A surging run into the box from the left side saw him hammer the ball into the opposite bottom corner with a shot he will claim burst the net. A valid goal was given although the ball did escape through a hole in the net!

Half time 3-0

The second half began similar to the first half with Spartans giving it their all despite the large deficit and it nearly paid off. A long ball played to Greig Tulloch almost allowed him a one on one with the keeper but the competent defending of Stewart Thomson prevented this opportunity.

The game then became end to end as Tynecastle surged forward for the fourth goal and Spartans countered well on the break. Tynecastle nearly got their fourth goal when Andrew Sinclair struck the post with a well hit shot on ten minutes. Spartans responded immediately on the break and if their passing had been more clinical it would have been a well worked goal.

Tynecastle almost scored hen an awkward through ball was missed by the Spartans keeper 25 yards from goal. Andrew Sinclair had an almost empty net to hit but as he tried to execute a perfect chip finish from 20 yards, the ball just dipped over the cross bar.

The Spartans defence were becoming more and more stretched and a similar situation happened again when Ryan Preston, a Tynecastle substitute bore through on goal. A goal looked certain but this time Liam Andrews of Spartans came to the rescue of his team and put in a last ditch tackle sending the ball over the crossbar.

As tiredness set in and Spartans hopes waned, the game became quieter.  Chances became less frequent and attempts on goal were limited to long range. Keith Millar decided to let fly from range but the Tynecastle full back’s effort bounced awkwardly in front of the Spartans keeper who fumbled the ball but collected it on a second attempt.

A midfield battle ensued towards the end of the game as Tynecastle took no risks on the result by only playing one up front. Spartans still could not break a solid defensive line despite confidently passing the ball well in midfield.