Saughton for Spartans in South Challenge Cup test

Posted on Saturday, September 15th, 2018

Spartans head to Saughton to take on Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale in the South Challenge Cup on Saturday afternoon looking to avoid a potential banana skin slip up against the East of Scotland side.

In a repeat of the Football Nation Cup Final in March 2017, the sides compete in the 2nd Round of a competition last won by Spartans in 2010 when they defeated Gretna 2008 in the Final.

One player who was part of the trophy winning side under the roof at Oriam was Blair Tolmie.  The talismanic defender was in confident mood ahead of the reunion with the fellow Edinburgh side.

“It will be yet another tough game for us with a nice wee derby edge to it.  Any games I’ve been involved with against them in the past have been difficult but we’re playing well and winning games and we’ll set out to continue that on Saturday.

“The gaffer might look to use the game to freshen things up.  There’s a few of the lads who have been itching to get some game time I’m sure so they might get a run out.

“Maxi is struggling with a knock just now however we have on the whole managed to keep everyone fit which is obviously a good thing as you don’t want to be carrying passengers throughout the season.  We have a stronger squad than last year and the lads are looking after themselves well which naturally helps recovery and availability.

“We were miles off it in the first half in the Football Nation Cup final and they were the better side.  We improved after half time and probably done enough to win it in the end, but we just weren’t good enough so we know we can’t slip to that standard again.”

Kick-off at Saughton Enclosure is slightly earlier at 2.30pm.


Next Fixture

                     
Date: 09/11/24
Opponent: Forfar Athletic
Venue:Station Park
Competition: SPFL 2
Kick off: 3.00pm

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