Scottish Cup Preview: Spartans set out to defy the odds at Elgin City

Posted on Thursday, October 22nd, 2015

The Romance of the Cup.  David v Goliath.  Minnows against the big boys.  The form book goes out the window…

Time-served clichés and soundbites return this Saturday for Round 2 of the oldest domestic competition in the world – The William Hill sponsored Scottish Cup.

Last season’s giant-killers Spartans face a daunting 350 mile round trip to take on SPFL side Elgin City – the reward for their 5-1 disposal of East of Scotland outfit Coldstream in the opening round at Ainslie Park.

Saturday’s clash takes place at Borough Briggs, the scene of a dramatic Cup tale from seven years ago when the then East of Scotland side knocked out their lofty hosts 1-2 after a Monday night ‘replay’. 

That extra tie came about after Elgin were found to have played the ineligible goalkeeper Joe Malin in the original tie which the Highland outfit won 2-1. 

Ironically, it was Malin who scored the winner for the Ainslie Park side that night, albeit his namesake Gavin, to set up a fourth round trip to Airdrie United.

This weekend, it’s Dougie Samuel’s turn to take his Lowland League side up the A9 to take on Jim Weir’s side who currently sit 6^th in SPFL League 2.

Elgin, who will be out to break their five match run without a win will turn to top goal scorer Craig Gunn to give them fire power up front however they will be up against a Spartans side looking to emulate last season’s cup run that saw them claim the scalps of SPFL sides Clyde and Morton as they set out to defy the odds.

The match at Borough Briggs kicks off at 3pm.   Ticket prices: Ground £10 & £5, Stand £12 & £7 – supporters can pay at the gate.