Spartans set for cup lifeline after Albion Rovers field ineligible player

Spartans are set to be handed an Irn-bru Cup reprieve after Albion Rovers fielded an ineligible player during the capital club’s 5-4 penalty shootout defeat at Cliftonhill on Tuesday night.

The clubs couldn’t be separated as the first-round tie finished goalless after 120 minutes before the League 1 outfit prevailed in the shootout, Albion’s Jason Marr scoring the decisive spot-kick.

However, the SPFL have opened disciplinary proceedings after the Coatbridge side fielded midfielder Liam Mcguigan, who came on as a second-half substitute after 71 minutes to replace Michael Hopkins.

Dougie Samuel’s men will now be included in this afternoon’s second-round draw alongside Albion Rovers as the SPFL disciplinary process continues.

Livingston were forced to replay their fourth-round tie against Belfast side Crusaders last October having fielded Alan Lithgow, who was ineligible for the Lions having been due to serve a suspension. The West Lothian side were also fined £4,000 after pleading guilty to a breach of the regulations of the SPFL Challenge Cup Competition.