Samuel’s Spartans underdogs Bordering on Scottish Cup history

Posted on Friday, February 6th, 2015

Spartans will be looking for a sizeable and vocal home support to Be The 12^th Man as they look to overcome SPFL Division 2 side Berwick Rangers to deft the odds and book a place in the Last 8 of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

This Cross-Border clash sees the Lowland League title holders take on their third SPFL opponents in a row as the Road to Hampden reaches Round 5.

On their journey so far, Spartans have defeated East Kilbride, Clyde and Morton – the latter two against loftier league opponents in front of a noisy Spartan Army support.

To become the first Non-League side to reach the Quarter Finals of the oldest domestic cup competition in world football in almost half a century, Spartans need to overcome Colin Cameron’s men.

Spartans boss Dougie Samuel said, “We go into today’s game as the underdog, a label we will once again enjoy. The ‘Wee Rangers’ play week in week out at a higher level. At a level we hope to reach sooner than later.”

“In defeating East Kilbride away, Clyde and Morton at home to reach this point, we have produced when it mattered.  We have demonstrated we can rise to the occasion – that we can be ‘Sparkly Eyed Men’.  In all likelihood, it will take a performance of similar magnitude today if we are to progress to the last 8.  In boxing terms, we have prepared for 12 x testing rounds and are looking forward to the challenge.”

The sides have met in the oldest domestic cup competition in world once before, when a Donal Henretty strike separated the sides at City Park in November 2005.  Henretty & Iain Thomson are survivors from that game in today’s squad.  Can history repeat itself?

In what promises to be a carnival atmosphere inside the Ainslie Park arena, “Pulse of the Place” our local Samba band will provide the pre match entertainment and hundreds of local youngsters will be bringing a real family atmosphere.

With a sizeable crowd expected, we have entrances open on both Pilton Drive and Pilton Avenue.  The gates will open at 1.00pm.  Admission is £12 for adults, £8 for concessions and Under 12’s are FREE – continuing our commitment to offer affordable football for all.

Please note that due to the neighbouring Edinburgh Leisure run Ainslie Park Leisure Centre hosting a full programme of activities on Saturday, parking inside the area is as unlikely as it is unadvisable for all supporters.