Spartans take the University Challenge on ‘Donate at the Gate’ Double-Header Saturday

Posted on Friday, December 20th, 2013

Spartans welcome Stirling University to the Academy in a pre-Christmas fixture that sees two of the in-form Scottish Sun Lowland League sides focus their attentions on the League Cup.

When the sides met at the beginning of the season, Lucasz-aid was just the tonic for Dougie Samuel’s men when the Polish striker grabbed a last-gasp winner after coming on as a late sub. A wonder-goal from the Pole according to the Spartan Army faithful, but one the University website described as “a scuffed finish”.   Those who have seen Grim’s footage on YouTube can decide for themselves….

Since then, both teams have had a great run of results.  Spartans of course sitting top of the Scottish Sun Lowland League whilst the visitors have put together an excellent run of results, both in University football and the League.  With games in hand on all the other clubs, Stirling will be waiting in the wings for a sniff of a slip-up in the run-in early next year. 

A 1-1 draw on the road at Whitehill saw Stirling pick up a point via a Geddes goal in the opening week of the League Cup Group B stage, whilst Spartans picked up an impressive 1-3 across the Capital against Edinburgh City at the Commonwealth Stadium in the most foul of conditions.

At Meadowbank last Saturday, Keith McLeod found the net for the 9^th consecutive game, taking his tally for the season to 17 goals – somewhat incredibly his total for the whole of last season. 

Continuing on the playing front, Spartans Manager Dougie Samuel is set to continue to make good use of the strength and depth of the squad he’s put faith in this season so far.

In his match programme notes, ‘Sammy’ reports, “We have a few players missing for the visit of Eddie (May) and his side.  Players with slight knocks and/or injuries won’t be risked, whilst 1 or 2 others who have played a large number of games will be rested. 

“The strength in depth we have this season, married to the flexibility and increased options within the current squad, has made things easier to manage on a week to week basis in comparison to last season.  It’s down to our player’s hard work and skills that to date we have been able to manage the weekly changes so well.”

The game v Stirling University kicks-off at 3pm and we’d love to see a large contingent of kind hearted football fans getting behind our “Donate at the Gate” initiative.

We are offering FREE entry to all supporters who ‘Donate at the Gate’ for our Christmas Appeal.  All of the donations handed in at the turnstiles will be farmed out Ashbrook Homeless Hostel & the Granton Baptist Church Foodbank project.

Everyday items such as toothpaste, deodorant, shower gel, basic clothing items and non-perishable foods are welcome.

Alternatively, admission is £5 Adults, £3 Concessions and U/12s are Free.

In a curtain raiser, the East of Scotland side are playing Tollcross Thistle in a friendly on the Academy main pitch at 12.30.  Why not avoid the hassle of the High Street and join us for a double-header of football.

And finally, if you are looking for a present to send to Santa for the Spartan in your life this Christmas, make sure to visit Jeanette in the Cafe Bar for a range of quality Spartans branded merchandise.  Avoid disappointment – Buy early, buy often!