Irn Bru Cup: Writing us off is a load of Guff says playmaker Guthrie

Posted on Saturday, September 2nd, 2017

Spartans take on Linfield FC at Ainslie Park in arguably the biggest competitive fixture in their 66 year existence, a match that striker Ross Guthrie can’t wait to be part of.

The 27 year old playmaker, in his first season with the club, is looking forward to what promises to be a fantastic family atmosphere in the North Edinburgh sunshine this afternoon.

“This is probably the biggest game I’ve been a part of and certainly the only one I’ve played where the goalkeeper cant travel as he has had an international call-up! It’s ridiculous for me to be involved in that.”

“Spartans are somewhat synonymous with plum cup tie draws and it is something myself and Ian McFarland have talked about over the years. You look at the games the club have played against the likes of Livingston, Clyde and Morton and as a player you want to be part of that.”

The task facing Guthrie and Spartans is one of David and Goliath proportions according to the pundits, something that the attacking midfielder wasn’t taking to heart.

“These are the games when you grow up you dream of playing in. You never know what could happen, as long as its a good spectacle for everyone and we put in a good performance, that’s what it’s all about.

“Spartans have a great reputation and probably one of those clubs that folk always look out for their results. Now’s the chance for us to make a bit of a statement and I’m confident that we can do that.”

The match is one that pits Lowland League against top flight Northern Irish football, notably a side that has played Champions League football already this season. The bookies may make David Healy’s side the odds-on favourites however with an unfamiliar 3G pitch and a homely welcome from the Spartan Army faithful, Guthrie was in confident mood.

“I don’t see why we can’t do it. I think you’ve got to believe you can do it before you go out there. They’ll probably be used to playing in front of the numbers inside the ground however I’m certain the lads will get a real buzz out of it.  We’ve got a host of top talent in our squad with a lot of the team having played in the professional leagues and several of our Academy boys coming through and looking unfazed at the challenge of stepping up too.”

“I wont the treating the game any differently. It’s a game of football as normal and my objective as a player is to go out and win.”

Kick-off is at 3pm. Admission Prices are as follows:

• Stand tickets £15
• Ground Adult £12
• Ground Concession (15 – 18, over 65 and student) £10
• Ground Child (under 14) £5
• Wheelchair access – please contact tickets@spartanscfa.com