Peebles fought back to overcome a three goal deficit in the final half hour and leave Spartans stunned in a thrilling encounter at the top of the table at the Gyle.

 

In a game in which neither side had a natural goalkeeper, Spartans took an early lead through Thomas Walton and then added to it with strikes from Rory Singleton and Matthew Lyndon either side of half time to give them a firm grip on proceedings.

 

However, Peebles weren’t to lie down and found joy getting in behind the Spartans back four. The first goal from Brodie Mackenzie provided a platform to build on and lifted the visitors spirits - who would go on to turn the match on its head with a sensational comeback.

 

The away side enjoyed the majority of the ball in the opening minutes but were caught out on the counter as Will Lancaster beat the offside trap and raced in on goal. Goalkeeper Ruaridh Smith was out fast to block but could only divert the initial strike into the path of Walton, who cooly tucked the ball into the empty net from close range.

 

More chances followed at either end: Lancaster dropped a shoulder to evade his man but ball into the middle was comfortably claimed by Smith. Robbie Smellie then drifted in from the left flank but his right footed effort was beaten away by Matthew Lydon and then cleared to safety.

 

Scorer would soon turn provider as Walton teed up the onrushing Singleton. The midfielder swept home a clean right footed strike from the edge of the area to double the lead as the ball nestled into the bottom left corner.

 

A brilliant last-ditch challenge denied Peebles a route back into the game before Lancaster chased down and latched onto a long ball over the top with goalkeeper, Smith, caught in no mans land. Luckily from his point of view Jack Murphy was back and timed a tackle to perfection before the lively forward could pull the trigger.

 

Spartans may feel they could’ve had more - Front pairing Walton and Lancaster both failed to convert from a whipped cross from the right wing and Toby Jamieson had a shot blocked that eventually trickled through to the goalkeeper as the home side went into the break two up.

Spartans started the second period as they had in the first - Andrew Kerr getting to the byline and pulling back to Lydon, who had been moved out of the sticks at half time. Lydon bundled the ball in from close range to put his side into what should’ve been a comfortable position.

 

Peebles responded quickly to the goal and a few minutes later Brodie Mackenzie converted from close range after Finlay Nairn couldn’t hold Fraser Carlotti’s corner. The goal made it 3-1 wth just less than half an hour to play and put a real spring in the step of the visitors.

 

Andrew Kerr had a chance at one end to possibly kill of Peebles but was denied by second half keeper Rio Bhatia. Peebles quickly worked the ball up the field as Mark Tredgett was sent through one on one and punished Spartans with a purposeful finish into the bottom left corner - game on at 3-2.

 

Another chance fell the way of the home side but Lydon could only watched as his strike was cleared off the goal line and again Peebles would make Spartans rue their misses as the ball was worked through to the impressive Carlotti. The midfielder may have thought he’d spurned the opportunity when he put it too close to the goalkeeper, but Nairn couldn’t keep the strike out - evening the score at 3-3.

 

Spartans pushed on in search of a goal to restore their lead - going close with numerous crosses and balls across the face of goal without getting on the end of them. 

 

Ten minutes from time and Carlotti would have another chance as the midfielder opted to shoot rather than trying to pick out Greg Zokas at the back post. Even though he saw his strike parried, it wasn’t to matter as the move was kept alive and Josh Simmons kept his calm and guided the ball into the empty net to complete a remarkable comeback.

 

Spartans were still in a state of shock as it was Peebles who continued to create chances in an attempt to kill the game off with Adam Black and Tyler Temple both causing havoc.

 

One final chance fell Spartans way as Singleton cracked a free kick from the right goal ward - only to see it cleared off the line, with the keeper beaten. A game to remember for Peebles, who never gave up hope - not so much for Spartans, who will be frustrated in the manor of the defeat.