William Hill Scottish Cup: Spartans out to outfox Broch for shot at the big boys

Posted on Friday, November 17th, 2017

The potential prize for the winners of Saturday’s William Hill Scottish Cup 3^rd Round clash between Spartans and Fraserburgh could boost either side’s coffers with a plum tie against on the big boys however the focus on the job in hand will be the first thoughts in both camps ahead of kick-off at Ainslie Park.

It’s the third game between Lowland League side Spartans and Highland League opposition in two years and the second time the clubs will have met in the oldest domestic football competition in the world.

The last outing came in the 2009/10 tournament when the sides met up in the North East town.  Spartans headed up the road for the second round clash and found themselves two up inside twenty minutes.  Kevin Sivewright opening the scoring before Stephen Main scored his first of two goals that night, unfortunately for the home player, this was into his own net!  Indeed, he was the Main man of attention as he was red carded in the final minutes too.  Further goals by Alex King and Donal Henretty then set up a home clash against Forfar who edged us out at Ainslie Park by a single effort.

That win was one of 8 we have achieved over Highland opposition, with 6 defeats and two draws in the ‘tale of the tape’ so far.  Spartans have been more dynamic in front of goal too, netting 36 times in the 16 ties, conceding just 16, five of these alone coming in a defeat against Caledonian in 1986.

In the last round, Spartans scored five without reply against Clach whilst Broch were in the capital disposing of Edinburgh University.

Back to this Saturday and both teams come into the game sitting at the business end of their respective divisions with the Broch in second spot whilst Spartans sit third with a game in hand over the top two.  The visitors were rained off last week at Wick however there is no chance of that happening this time round with the synthetic surface looking in great shape under the guidance of Mickto and his Academy team.

Blair Tolmie, Ross Guthrie and David Greenhill return to the squad that lost out with the last kick of the ball seven days ago in Annan.  Gaffer Dougie Samuel once again has an all but injury free list of players at his disposal for this important tie.  Good news too for the Spartan Army faithful as Willie Bremner’s recovery programme continues to show weekly improvement and we hope to see him back training very soon.

The William Hill Scottish Cup tie kicks-off at 3pm.  Admission Prices for Saturday’s Scottish Cup 3rd Round tie against Fraserburgh are £8 adults, £5 concession (over 65/u18 and Students with valid matric card). Under 16s entry reduced to £3.

Your Match Day Programme continues to be great value for money at just £2.