Ward returns as Spartans face Uni in Football Nation Cup clash

Posted on Friday, January 22nd, 2016

After two weeks wondering whether the weather was going to put paid to the hope of January football, all roads lead to Peffermill on Saturday where Spartans take on Edinburgh University 3^rd round of the Football Nation East of Scotland Qualifying Cup.

The enforced inactivity has delivered a double edged sword for Dougie Samuel with Alan Brown ruled out of the tie.  The playmaker was dismissed in the rather incredible New Year Derby against Edinburgh City and will sit out on Saturday.  Eddie Malone, also dismissed in a penalty-infused frenzied fifteen minutes, is still available for selection in this cup clash.

Meanwhile, the down time has benefitted Dan Ward who will return to the squad after injury.  Also making significant progress on the treatment table, but not ready for action just yet, are Jack Beesley and Scott Maxwell.  The pair have resumed training after their long term absence and the gaffer is hopeful to see them back in Spartans colours in weeks, rather than months.

Also back in time to face our old friends is George Hunter.  The young striker is back at Ainslie Park on a development loan deal from St Johnstone until the end of the season.

Unfortunately the positive news is tempered with reports that talismanic Captain Ally Mackinnon will face a period of outage after being carried from the field after damaging a knee in the derby clash earlier this month.  We wish ‘Buff’ a speedy recovery and hope to see him back soon.

The match at Peffermill Playing Fields kicks off at 3pm.