History
Spartans' most successful run was in 2003–2004 season when they defeated Buckie Thistle 6–1 in front of a crowd of 450 in Edinburgh in the first round, before defeating Alloa Athletic 5–3 in a replay (the first game had been drawn 3–3) in Edinburgh in the second round. They then defeated Arbroath (who had been in the Scottish Football League first division only the year before) 4–1 at their Gayfield Park in the third round, before being beaten 4–0 at home by Scottish Premier League team Livingston in front of a full house of 3,000 fans at City Park. Two seasons later Spartans defeated Berwick Rangers, Lossiemouth and Queen's Park in the first three rounds of the Scottish Cup. They drew 0–0 with First Division side St. Mirren in the last sixteen in front of 3,326 fans at City Park, earning a replay at Love Street where they lost 3–0.
Spartans most recent cup run sent them to Pollok, winning through a replay, Annan Athletic winning 2–1, Elgin City again winning 2–1 and finally being knocked out by Airdrie United in the fourth round. The Spartans Army are infamous for their elaborate chants and Mexican headgear.
Spartans, along with four other clubs, submitted an application for entry into the Scottish Football League following Gretna relinquishing their league status on 3 June 2008. Spartans lost out to Annan Athletic
From 2008–09 Spartans have a ladies' team in the Scottish Women's Premier League.
In November 2008, Spartans moved to a new purpose-built home at Ainslie Park, situated 500 yards from City Park in the Crewe Toll district of Edinburgh. The new facility includes a 504-seater stand and floodlights surrounding the main stadium pitch and an adjacent, full size artificial pitch, also with floodlights. Ainslie Park is now used daily by Youth and Adult Spartans teams along with the general public.
In season 2009–10 Spartans won the quadruple, consisting of the East of Scotland Premier League, The SFA South Challenge Cup, The King Cup and the League Cup. The 2009–10 League Title gave Spartans back to back title wins for the first time since 2005.
Read more about this topic: Spartans F.C.
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