Spartans in the picture to claim Image rights against Vale

Posted on Friday, January 24th, 2014

With the Lowland League still on its winter break, Spartans welcome Vale of Leithen to the Academy on Saturday in Round 3 of the Image Printers Cup.

After seeing their way past Edinburgh City and Gretna (last year’s winners) in the previous rounds, Dougie Samuel’s side take on one of the form teams out of the Lowland League sides.

Samuel said, “The 5-0 win at the start of November at Innerleithen was one of our best team performances (and away result) of the season so far, scoring 4 goals in 45 mins in a 2nd half against a top side is special. Looking back, perhaps it was also the day Cloudy hit top form, scoring a hat-trick on the day (his 2nd in consecutive weeks).  However, the Borders side have rallied significantly since and we’ll need to be on top of our game to progress in this tournament.”

Both Robbie Ross and Jack Beacher remain on the road to recovery and aren’t available for selection.  Former Vale player Jack Blaikie played 90 minutes for the East of Scotland side in last week’s 7-3 win against Berwick Rangers Reserves and he, along with Donal Henretty are back in contention for game time.  Keith McLeod’s 85^th minute wonder-strike at Stirling last week sees him go into the game having scored in his last 13 consecutive games.

The match at Ainslie Park kicks off at 3pm.  Adults £5, Concessions £3 and U/15s go Free! Half-season tickets are also available at the gate.

Also available at the Academy tomorrow, we have our spectacular Merchandise Sale now on.  A plethora of bargains are to be had – but be quick, once they’re gone, they are gone!  Pop up and see Jeanette in the Café for all your Spartans needs.

Fixture round up:

The Image Printers Cup

Second Round

Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale v Peebles Rovers (2.30pm)

Third Round

Spartans  v Vale of Leithen (3pm)

Tynecastle v Leith Athletic (1.30pm)

Preston Athletic v Whitehill Welfare (3pm)

Scottish Sun Lowland League

East Kilbride v Gretna 2008 (3pm)