Roses are Red, Kilts are Tartan, On Vale-ntine’s Day, Come watch the Spartans!

Posted on Friday, February 13th, 2015

It’s Vale-tines Day for Spartans as the Romance of the Cup heads to Ainslie Park for the third time in seven days when they welcome Vale of Leithen in the 3rd Round of the South Challenge Cup.

In what is regarded as the most realistic opportunity of silverware for Dougie Samuel’s side, Spartans will be looking to go one better in a tournament they have in the previous two campaigns, where they have bowed out at the semi final stage.

Looking ahead to the tie, Samuel said, “Perhaps the past 7 days have summed up our season these past few months. With the wonderful high of Scottish Cup glory and an excellent 2nd half performance vs. Berwick Rangers followed by a disappointing result and performance vs. Edinburgh City in the Image Printers.”

“We are fully aware that we need to come through another difficult game and tough test if we are to achieve our ultimate goal of winning this trophy.”

Saturday’s game will once again see the Spartans gaffer give valuable game time across the squad ahead of Tuesday night’s William Hill Scottish Cup 5th Round replay at Shielfield where some 300 plus members of the SpartanArmy will congregate.

“It’s common knowledge I have chopped and changed our side these past 6/7 weeks, that I have prioritised our Scottish Cup run over everything else since the New Year. It’s an approach I continued to adopt in midweek and will apply again.”

A likely starter for the visitors on Saturday will be former Spartan Jack Blaikie.  Jack is with the Innerleithen side on loan until the end of the season and has been an integral part of the Vale midfield.  Leading up the visitors is former Spartans Juniors Manager Mark Lamb and he’s assisted by another former favourite at Ainslie Park, Jimmy Rae.

With such a fondness for their old side, it’ll be interesting to see which changing room the trio head for on their arrival ahead of kick-off on Saturday.

The match kicks off at 3pm and is played to a finish.  Admission Prices: Adults £5, Concessions £3, Kids under 16 – FREE!