Scottish League Cup: How League 2 Spartans shocked Ross County

With 94 goals in 143 games, you can understand why Samuel hailed star striker – and Saturday’s match-winner – Blair Henderson as “one of – if not the most – significant signing” Spartans have made.

Few would argue. Samuel himself said he is “the luckiest guy in the world to work with this special and talented group”.

Samuel was the man who managed to lure a then-26-year-old Henderson with SPFL experience to Lowland League Spartans three years ago, and he’s been reaping the rewards ever since.

The forward’s sensational header on Saturday, which looped out of Laidlaw’s reach, was not his most important goal for the club, but it’s arguably the most lucrative, with Spartans guaranteed an unprecedented windful even before learning their quarter-final fate.

It may be one of the most talked about, too, given the stage it was scored on, but those who pitch up in Pilton every week out are used to this sort of magic. As is Samuel.

“He’s in a good place right now, he’s started the season well and he’s our talisman at the top end,” the manager told BBC Scotland.

The header was his fourth goal of the season already, having scored the winner in Spartans’ 1-0 victory against Forfar Athletic in the group stage, too.

Samuel said he hopes for a home draw in the quarter-finals, and although he is a Hibs fan, he would “love to play the Old Firm”.

“Anyone at home who packs this place out, because this is a special arena with 3,500 people in it,” he added.

If ‘Mr Spartans’ gets his wish, he’ll be hoping Henderson heads them on their way to even more history with a date at Hampden on the horizon.