A host of new faces lined up for Sparta due to the unavailability of a few of the regulars.

Sparta took the lead in this match thanks to a header from Stuart Deans early in the first half.

However, once Erin Hibs got into gear, there was little Sparta could do to drop them, and they soon pulled away to take a 3-1 lead.

The rot was temporarily stopped when new boy Martin Stewart finished well.

Any hopes Sparta may have had of a revival were soon dashed, as Erin Hibs completed the scoring with their fourth of the afternoon.

A disappointing start to the season, but Sparta will be encouraged by the performances by some of the debutants.