The Scottish Cup dream evaporated on a dark December afternoon at Grant Park as Spartans ran out comfortable winners over a Lossie side who, despite the final score, more than matched their opponents for long spells, but could not find a way through a very organised defence.

With a healthy crowd looking on, a pipe band lead the teams onto the pitch, with both sides knowing a victory would ensure their place in the third round draw, and possibly a money spinning tie against an SPL club.

Spartans were first to threaten after only three minutes, as Keith McLeod headed over from a corner. Lossie retaliated almost immediately, as Gary Youngson swung a low cross into the box where it was grabbed from the toe of Craig Morrison before he could open the scoring.

Ten minutes in and Morrison had the ball in the net for Lossie, but he was adjudged to have been in an offside position when Kennedy played the ball through. A tight decision, but it looked the right one, and the scoreline stayed blank.

Martin McMullan was giving Spartans a lot to think about, and the visitors defence had to be sharp to clear a shot from the line. Shortly after, Derek Adams had to be quick to scramble the ball around the post after Dunn was well beaten by a low shot. Lossie were coping well with Spartans, despite bookmakers making the East of Scotland side favourites by a long way. Ian Thompson gave Lossie a warning after twenty-five minutes when he crashed a shot off the crossbar from 20 yards.

On the half hour, the opening goal arrived, and sadly for the noisy home support, it was Spartans who got things going. Despite the attention of two defenders, Keith MCLEOD drilled the ball low under Dunn to send the travelling Mexicans wild with delight.

Just on half time, Spartans could have been two ahead had it not been for the reflexes of Dunn. Phil Johnson ran clean through on goal, but Dunner produced a fine one handed save to deny the visitors a second for now.

Half time - Lossiemouth 0 Spartans 1

Dunn was called into action immediately as the second half started, having to pull off another great save to deny Burns a second goal for Spartans. A second goal was on the cards, and Spartans grabbed it on the hour. Keith McLeod was involved again and his cross found Craig SMART whose diving header went in via the post.

With just over a quarter of an hour to go, Spartans finished the game with their third of the afternoon. Ian Thompson played in Keith MCLEOD and he fired home from a few yards to as good as confirm the victory. 

Lossie were now left with no choice but to go full toot for a goal, and nippy winger Lee Moir was thrown on for injured captain Gary Youngson. The youngster soon found himself clean through on Brown in goal, only for the keeper to deny the Lossie support something to cheer.

Spartans sealed a fine performance late on as Keith MCLEOD completed his hat-trick after some tired defending, and Craig MANSON rolled in a fifth with only minutes remaining.

Full time – Lossiemouth 0 Spartans 5