Both sides held the lead at different times in this match but it was the home side that came from 2-1 down to eventually take the points.

Currie Star's Dylan Maccauley was sent off after the final whistle for protesting a little too aggressively to referee Alec Liston that Michael Smith's shot had rebounded over the line after hitting the bar.

This was a game that both sides had to win to have any chance of any lingering promotion hopes from Division 2 and it was the home side that immediately took the game to Currie Star almost scoring within 20 seconds when a speculative lob into the box was mis-judged by goalkeeper Dean Montgomery. But he readjusted quickly to grab the ball as it bounced towards the top corner of the net.

Indeed the opening 15 minutes were dominated by Spartans and it was virtually one way traffic towards the Currie goal with Matthew Hardie and Alan Taylor both going close.

Gradually Currie started to see more of the ball with the impressive red booted midfield duo of Calum Gordon and Gary Thomson starting to pull a few strings. But it was Spartans that always looked the more threatening and on 33 minutes they deservedly took the lead.

A disputed free kick on the right of the 18 yard box was swung in low and hard. The ball was flicked onwards towards the back post where it was missed by the Currie rearguard but not by the onrushing Alan Taylor who slammed the ball home from 6 yards.

That setback seemed to motivate Currie Star into more regular forays up the other end and 2 minutes before half time they grabbed an equaliser. It was another set piece and this time it was the Spartans defence that failed to react when wee Calum Gordon headed home unchallenged from a corner on the right.

Half Time 1-1

Although Spartans had a lot more of the ball Currie Star seemed to have more control over their play in the first half and better looking ball players. The match was fairly even although Spartans will have been disappointed not to have taken their lead into the interval.

The second half again started brightly for the home side and good wing play on the left saw the crossed ball flicked goalwards by Marc Cable but Dean Montgomery got down well to save to his left.

But Currie Star were more in the game now and enjoying some decent possession and in 47 minutes they took the lead. Yet another set piece was the provider when Jamie Mohammad floated in a curling cross from the right. The ball was put into a dangerous area and Michael Smith rose majestically to power a header high past the helpless Clarke Veitch in the Spartans goal.

But the visiting sides celebrations were short lived when just 5 minutes later Spartans levelled the game with a speculative effort from Ryan Davidson. The centre back controlled the ball on the half way line and was allowed to stride forward before hitting a powerful shot from fully 25 yards. Dean Montgomery looked to have it covered all the way but he let the ball slip through his fingers at head height and the ball dropped into the empty net.

Play was now swinging from end to end. Tackles were becoming ever more robust but the game continued to be played in a well meaning manner albeit there were a few unfortunate calls from the sidelines aimed at putting pressure on the Currie Star number one.

With 19 minutes left on the clock Currie Star should have regained the lead. Brilliant midfield play by Gary Thomson saw him twist and turn his markers before playing a lovely weighted ball into the path of Michael Smith. Smith controlled the ball well but stabbed his shot just inches wide when he will have felt he probably should have scored. It looked a certain goal.

The game now had a bit of an edge to it as both teams went for the winner and on 65 minutes it was Spartans that grabbed it. A terrific run up the left wing by Sean Gavin saw him drive towards the bye line before playing the ball back into the path of Lewis Renton. The Currie Star defence had a chance to clear but didn't deal with it well enough and the ball was bundled home past the despairing dive of Montgomery.

Spartans had more chances to extend their lead before Veitch was called into action in the dying seconds. A quick call to the man in the middle confirmed that the throw-in, 10 yards from the bye line, would be the final play of the match.

Currie Star poured men into the crowded area to challenge for the long throw. The ball was only partially cleared where it fell to the feet of Michael Smith and his thunderous shot looked set to hit the roof of the net before the Spartans Black stopper somehow got his hand to it to turn it onto the bar. The ball bounced comfortably into play and Alec Liston blew for full time before handing Dylan Maccauley two quick yellows in succession for protesting the decision. It was a red that was borne more out of frustration than anything else.