Sammy’s Soundbite: Blair pitch project success & Ramsdens Cup preview

Posted on Friday, July 26th, 2013

Ahead of our trip to Dumfries tomorrow, I thought I’d look back first of all at our midweek exploits against Raith Rovers.

Considering we had a difficult game last Saturday at Threave and we had played Hibs u/20s the week before, I thought the players did really well against Raith in terms of the tempo we played the game in and in maintaining our fitness levels throughout.

As a squad, we were really pleased with another tough workout in what was really difficult conditions at times.  I also think it was a great credit to both teams that they were able to put on a entertaining affair on the night and also a big thanks to everyone who came along to watch.

During the second half against Raith, I introduced teenager Blair Atkinson into the game from the bench. 

Blair is a product of the Academy structure and is a special young talent. It’s not often a 17 year old will play for the Spartans first team but it shows the level of confidence and expectation we actually have for him and that we are able to pitch him into such a big game for such a young boy.  

Blair certainly looked the part and the most pleasing thing of all was that he showed for the ball and he wanted to influence the game, so he wasn’t fazed by it and I genuinely think he enjoyed playing on that stage.

Looking ahead to the game on Saturday and we make our second trip to Dumfries in a week, this time to take on Championship 1 side and current Ramsdens Cup holders, Queen of the South. 

Whether we go into the game as underdogs or otherwise, I think the players can go there and play without any fear as we’ve really got nothing to lose – all the pressure is on our hosts.  I think Queen of the South have had a fantastic pre-season so far, including a 4-2 midweek friendly win against Premiership outfit St Mirren, so whilst no-one gives us a chance – and that’s being realistic – the players can go and enjoy playing at an SPFL ground on a fantastic pitch against a high-calibre opponent and we can only benefit from that.

Squad wise, Cloudy, Willie Bremner & John Grant are still on the treatment table and unfortunately Ally MacKinnon is on his summer holidays and will miss the game.  However, there are a few of the guys back in contention for the places tomorrow as the build up to the Lowland League continues.

We enjoyed the backing of our support at Threave last week and I hope to see as many of our supporters back in Dumfries getting behind the boys!