Image Printers Cup Final: Spartans set for Sunday showdown against Whitehill

Posted on Friday, March 21st, 2014

Spartans make the short trip along Ferry Road to St Mark’s Park for Sunday’s Image Printers Cup Final against Whitehill Welfare.

In what will be the 5^th fixture between the sides this season, it gives us the quandary of just what can be said that hasn’t been already about the clash of the Lowland League’s biggest rivals.  But we will try…

Spartans go into the game 3-1 up in terms of victories, with Sunday’s Final coming hot on the heels of our League outing at Rosewell earlier in the month where Welfare ironically recorded a 3-1 win.   For Spartans Manager Dougie Samuel, the form book goes out the window when it comes to the task of lifting silverware.

“Previous encounters this season will count for little come Sunday, said Samuel, “Both camps know it’s a one off game both teams are capable of winning.”

Samuel’s men have a superb track record in cup finals at St Marks Park, the home of Craigroyston FC, most recently the King Cup final victory last June, where a 3-1 win over Berwick Rangers Reserves gave the Spartans Gaffer cup success in his inaugural season at the helm.

Speaking from Casablanca, where he is delivering a presentation on behalf of the Spartans Community Football Academy at the prestigious Social Enterprise Forum, Samuel said, “With all due respect to Berwick Rangers Reserves, Sunday’s task is much greater, as we go head to head against our biggest local rivals.

“There’s something special about these games – an extra edge, call it what you want. The history of both clubs ensures it remains a signature fixture at our level and one the players, coaches, officials and supporters of both clubs look forward to the most.”

The Final kicks-off at 2.30pm at St Mark’s Park, Warriston Road.