Blair Henderson sealed Spartans' spot in the last eight with a terrific header
A sublime Blair Henderson header gave fourth-tier The Spartans a huge upset win over Ross County to secure a place in the last eight of the Premier Sports Cup.
The talismanic striker expertly turned in Jamie Dishington’s cross just 20 seconds into the second half to give Spartans their first victory against a top-flight team.
County failed to impress throughout at Ainslie Park, struggling to appropriately test new Spartans goalkeeper Jacques Heraghty and allowing the hosts a number of chances before the opener.
Spartans will be the first fourth-tier team since Rangers in the 2012-13 season to play in the League Cup quarter-finals.
Cammy Russell almost spectacularly put the unfavoured hosts ahead early on after a cautious start to the tie. His looping effort from the edge of the box would have crept in under the bar, if not for a fine stop from Ross Laidlaw.
In response, County threatened just minutes later. An excellent interchange between Jordan White and Victor Loturi culminated in the former firing wide of Heraghty’s goal from 20 yards out.
Spartans defender Kieran Watson just missed the mark when his improvised acrobatic effort flashed inches wide. The hosts would have to wait until after the break for their spectacular opener.
Immediately from the restart, Dishington surged down the right flank and floated in a perfect cross for Henderson to glance over Laidlaw from just inside the penalty area.
A nervy 45 followed, with Spartans bravely defending their box as a bombardment of crosses, long throws and direct passes shelled the area without any respite.
Connor Randall and Eamonn Brophy flashed strikes wide and over, respectively, before stoppage-time chances for the profligate visitors during the heaviest period of the onslaught failed to hit the net.
As the home support erupted in delight at full-time, boos from the travelling support rang round the quaint ground as the Premiership side crashed out.
Superb Spartans stun toothless County
This is Spartans’ story first and foremost.
Sure, County were blunt in attack and uninspiring all over. But part-time Spartans put in a professional performance that will rightfully be remembered for a long time to come.
Goalkeeper Heraghty - a 21-year-old who signed for the club on Friday - stood strong alongside his resilient backline, while a hard-working midfield five and Henderson up top ran their socks off to keep the Staggies at bay.
The Premiership side barely laid a glove on the hosts in the first 45 and were deservedly knocked out just seconds into the second period.
Brave and enduring defending from all in white and red kept out shellshocked County when they began to threaten in the closing stages.
What they said
The Spartans manager Dougie Samuel: "I think, in a nutshell, everyone gave everything today and executed the game plan really well. It wasn't just about sitting in a low block all game, I think we did carry a threat going forward.
"I'm the luckiest guy in the world. I have been given time to build more than one team here and I'm working with a really special group of people first and foremost, who happen to also be talented footballers... I feel very lucky and blessed to be at the helm at this time.
"History will show that he [Blair Henderson] has been one of the most significant signings in the club's history, if not the most significant. I am delighted for him. He's in a good place right now, he's started the season well and he's our talisman at the top end."
Ross County manager Don Cowie: "Massive credit to Spartans. They thoroughly deserved to win the game. We let ourselves down badly today. We had a real opportunity to get into the quarter-final of the cup and we came up massively short.
"I wouldn't say there was not an effort. But there was certainly a lack of quality. When we got punished that soon after half-time, it gave Spartans a real lift and belief to go on and get the result.
"We did not deserve any equaliser. We huffed and puffed. A couple of shots from long-range and a couple of balls that flashed across goal, but not nearly enough."
