Lowland League: Greenhill geared up for season opener against Stirling Uni

Posted on Saturday, July 28th, 2018

It’s been our most intense pre-season yet.  Four games against Championship and Premiership sides in 11 days earned Spartans points and plaudits.  Fitness levels tested to new levels.  But now, the Bet Fred Cup heroic headlines are merely chip shop wrappers as Spartans get set for their biggest challenge yet.

The return of the Lowland League sees the Ainslie Park side set out to retain the title and become only the second club to do so back-to-back since the competition started in 2013/14.

Manager Dougie Samuel and Coach Derek Riddel have a full squad of 20 fit players available to pick from as they welcome University of Stirling for the opening fixture of what promises to be an incredible rollercoaster ride over the coming months.   Captain Mikey Herd returns after missing out Tuesday night’s match against Kilmarnock due to suspension.  The squad rotation programme utilised throughout the high-tempo pre-season saw just Alan Brown starting all four BetFred games with all available personnel benefitting from game time throughout.

Speaking ahead of the opening encounter, David Greenhill said, “Pre-season has been brilliant for us.  Coming up against league opposition in the cup has saw us do well and has been good for our fitness.  Its set us up nicely for the league campaign.

“We’ll try and come flying out the traps on Saturday night and look to start the season with a win.  As you know, the opening month or so can really shape your season and its vital to begin strongly.  In the past we have been guilty of dropping too many early points and it really does have a big impact on chasing for the trophy later on. We know what the Students can offer, they are a tough, young fit side who can play football so it is important we bring our ‘a-game’ to the table come kick-off time.”

There’s more than a feel of deja vu for this opening day fixture, with the sides kicking-off the campaign on opening day three times previously.  In 2014, the then champions opened the season with a 2-1 win with Bremner and McLeod on target.  Keith Murray then earned a share of the spoils twelve months later at Forthbank Stadium.

In 2016, Scott Maxwell, Jamie Dishington and David Greenhill found the net without response from the hosts at Falkirk Stadium.  What will Saturday bring?  We suggest you join us for our Lowland League opener which kicks-off at 7.30pm.

Lowland League Tale of the Tape:

• Spartans Wins: 6
• University of Stirling Wins: 2
• Draws: 2

Admission: £7 Adults, £4 Concessions, Free for Under 16s.  Match Programmes only £2 with a chance to be a half time winner with the Raffle at just £1 a ticket! Café/Bar open for all supporters.  Remember – it’s a 7.3opm kick-off.  If you turn up for 3pm, you will have to watch Edinburgh City…