Archive for July, 2009
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Sunday, July 19th, 2009 The goals from Spartans matches against Blyth Spartans on Saturday and Hamilton on Sunday. First, Dean Hoskins marvellous strike against Blyth.Then Michael Moffat’s goal to put us 2 up.
The penalty shootout.
Deano’s second goal of the weekend and Spartans first against Hamilton in Sunday’s final.
Chris Smith’s magnificent solo effort.
Many thanks to Gary for the footage.
Spartans lift the Ronnie Swan Challenge Cup
Sunday, July 19th, 2009 Spartans defeated SPL side Hamilton 2-0 at Ainslie Park today to win the Ronnie Swan Challenge Cup. A first half strike from Dean Hoskins and a 88th minute wonderful solo goal from Chris Smith sealed the victory.Over 400 fans watch the home side win the first ever tournament final at Spartans new ground and few left disappointed with some great football and 16 goals scored over the weekend.
Ronnie’s son Graeme presented the cup to winning captain Stewart Fowlie.
Spartans Football Club would like to thank all the players, officials and fans from Hamilton, Raith Rovers and Blyth Spartans for taking part in what was an excellent weekend.We would also like to thank the match officials and all the volunteers who helped make the event a huge success.
Finally a huge thank you to all the staff at Ainslie Park who worked very hard not only over the weekend but in the weeks before the tournament. Many thanks to Dougie, Colin, Debbie, Amy and Paul.
Team: Flockhart, Fowlie, McKibben, Sivewright, Gerrard, McAuley, O’Donnell (Moffat), Manson, Malin (Smith), Henretty (McLeod), Hoskins
Raith finish 3rd after 6 goal thriller
Sunday, July 19th, 2009 Raith Rovers defeated Blyth Spartans 4-2 to finish 3rd in the Ronnie Swan Challenge Cup.Leading 2-1 at half time, Blyth pulled it back to 2-2 early in the 2nd half. Raith then scored twice to ensure the victory.
Over 400 fans were present for the first game of the Sunday events. Spartans play Hamilton in the final, kick off at 3:15pm.
More news from today
Saturday, July 18th, 2009 The Spartans line up against Blyth Spartans today was Flockhart, O’Donnel, Fowlie (Sivewright 45), Gerrard, McKibben, Moffat (Perry 65), King (Opilka 71), Manson, Hoskins, Malin (McAuley 45), Henretty (Smith 65) Sub not used: Mitchell. Unfortunately Alec King will be out for a few weeks with a broken jaw after being on the receiving end of a loose elbow.In the shoot out Dean Hoskins, Phil McKibben and Robbie Manson scored before Danny O’Donnel and Chris Smith missed. As the earlier post noted Adam Perry notched the winner.
Our Junior team beat Stirling Uni 2 – 1 with goals from Joe Steele and Kenny Young.
Finally our amateur team lost 4 – 1 to Old Aberdonians in another friendly.
Spartans into final!
Saturday, July 18th, 2009 Hosts Spartans will face Hamilton in the final of the Ronnie Swan Challenge Cup after a 4-3 penalties victorty over Conference North side, Blyth Spartans.Spartans took a quick 2 goal advantage in the first half, goals from Dean Hoskins and Michael Moffat. Blyth Pulled one back before half time to go in at the breat 2-1.
Only minutes into the second half Blyth were awarded a penalty which was missed. Blyth eventually scored an equaliser from a corner to ensure a nervous end to the game.
Spartans lost key midfield man Alex King and made several changes as Mike Irving looked for the winning goal. The game finished 2-2 and went to penatlies. Blyth missed their first two and Spartans missed their last two to send the shoot out to sudden death. Chris Flockhart made a great save, touching the ball onto the bar before Adam Perry stepped up to send Spartans into the final.
Over 700 fans turned up between the two games and we hope to see many more tomorrow.
Confirmation of Sundays ties:
Blyth Spartans vs Raith Rovers (ko: 12:30)
Spartans vs Hamilton (ko 3:15)
Hamilton in Final after penalty shoot out
Saturday, July 18th, 2009 Hamilton won the first fixture on penalties following a 2-2 draw against Raith Rovers. Raith took the lead in the first half through Iain Willianson. Hamilton equalised in the second half with Simon Mensing finishing from close range. Williamson gave Raith the lead again from the Penality spot before Neil McGregor scored with a wonderful shot 3 minutes from the end.Raith will now kick off tomorrow in the 3rd/4th playoff which kicks off at 12:30 and Hamilton will play in the final with a 3:15 kick off.
Spartans vs Blyth Spartans result to follow.
Mark Burns Celebration Weekend – Update
Saturday, July 18th, 2009 FootballThere has been a great deal of interest and support for the football match v Falkirk on Sunday 26th, which is part of the Spartans Academy Open Day. We look forward to welcoming one and all to Ainslie Park that day and fully expect Burnsy to notch at least one goal. The Open day will commence at 11am and will include activities for all the family.
Dinner
Due to the unavailability of many key faces we have taken the decision to park the dinner for the time being, with the possibility of rescheduling for later in the season. This is a pity but on the bright side this will allow everyone to spend a bit more time at the Academy that afternoon and enjoy the various other activities – including the women’s match v Sunderland.
Golf
Bookings are now being taken for a Texas scramble golf event at Kings Acre on Monday 27th. Interested parties can enter as individuals or in teams of three (individuals will be teamed up by the organisers) at a cost of £35 per head.
This cost represents great value and includes:
- Coffee on arrival (mid-morning)
- Warm Up Balls at Kings Acre Academy
- 18 Holes of Golf
- 1 Strokesaver per person
- Prizes for nearest the pin & longest drive
- Team prizes for winners
- Chicken curry & rice / veg dish after the round
If you would like to play, please contact Stewart Fowlie by no later than Sunday 19th indicating your team name, player name/s and handicap/s. Full payment will be required upon arrival on the day.
Remember that all profits from the Mark Burns Celebration Weekend will be donated to SiMBA – we look forward to your support for this excellent cause and to celebrating with you Burnsy’s massive contribution to Spartans FC.
Confirmation that games are ON!!
Saturday, July 18th, 2009 Following a couple of calls checking to ensure today’s games are still on we can confirm the heavy rain from earlier this week has not stopped the tournament going ahead.It is currently not raining in Edinburgh and we’re looking forward to a weekend full of action.
Tournament schedule
Friday, July 17th, 2009 Saturday 18 July 2009- Raith Rovers v Hamilton Academical (kick-off 12:30pm)
- Spartans v Blyth Spartans (3:15pm)
Sunday 19 July 2009
- 3rd/4th place play-off (12:30pm)
- Ronnie Swan Challenge Cup final (3:15pm)
Admission prices for spectators are £10 (£5 concessions) for both days and £7 (£4 concessions) for one day. Season tickets, costing £50, will be available to buy and will be valid for both days. Gates open at 11.30am.
Parking spaces at Ainslie Park are limited. Fans are advised to park away from the ground or use public transport. For more parking and travel advice, scroll down to the news story posted on July 12.
Ronnie Swan Challenge Cup
Friday, July 17th, 2009 Spartans get the ball rolling at Ainslie Park this weekend by hosting a four-team tournament involving Hamilton Academical, Raith Rovers and Blyth Spartans.The four teams will compete in north Edinburgh for the inaugural Ronnie Swan Challenge Cup on Saturday and Sunday. The trophy is named after the club’s honorary president, who joined Spartans in 1953 and has served as player, manager, secretary and president.
Spartans chairman Craig Graham said: “The grass pitch is in fantastic condition and we can’t wait to get started. This is an occasion everyone at Spartans is looking forward to. We anticipate a big crowd over the two days for what will be a competitive tournament. I’m confident supporters will enjoy our excellent new facilities and the opportunity to see four good teams in action.”
The Spartans women’s team are also in action at Ainslie Park this weekend. They entertain Newcastle United in a friendly on the synthetic pitch on Sunday, with a 10am kick-off. « Previous Entries Next Entries »











