Ramsdens Cup: Spartans set for Rovers return

Posted on Friday, July 19th, 2013

Spartans travel to Castle Douglas tomorrow (Saturday) where a mouth-watering tie away to current holders Queen of the South awaits the winner of this Ramsdens Cup Qualifying clash.

Following last Saturday’s 4-2 first-leg win at Ainslie Park, the squad travel down to Dumfries knowing that a they have a great opportunity to progress but know only too well that it will require hard work and focus against a very good Threave Rovers side who, on their home ground, are extremely dangerous and are a very good attacking side.

There are a number of changes expected tomorrow from the side that secured the two-goal lead in the first-leg at the Academy.

Dougie and the coaching team have a number absentees and injuries to deal with, as Keith McLeod, Donal Henretty, John Grant, Ross Gilpin, Alan Brown and Willie Bremner all miss out on the trip.

On a more positive note, Danny O’Donnell returns to the squad and Chris Anderson is looking for a start after scoring back to back goals at Ainslie Park, against Hibs u/20s on Tuesday night and the potentially vital fourth strike against tomorrow’s opponents in injury time  last week. 

We’re hoping for a good day out and a great opportunity for the team to continue to build on their fitness and shape ahead of the inaugural Lowland League campaign.

Finally on the team news front, we wish Ross Gilpin all the best and a speedy recovery from his minor operation tomorrow.

The bus leaves the Academy at 10.30am (sharp), with the game kicking off at 3pm. 

With the temperatures set for the mid-20’s come kick-off, it could be a day for the sun hats and suncream on the terraces of Meadow Park!

How to get there: If you aren’t heading down on the bus, the Threave website notes the following…