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 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.

Football

There 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.

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.

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.

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.

Julie Melrose of Spartans and Edinburgh University collected a bronze medal as a member of the Great Britain squad who defeated France 4-1 in the women’s bronze medal match at the World University Games in Belgrade. The British team lost in the semi-finals to Japan in a penalty shoot-out.

Julie Melrose