Lowland League | North Edinburgh New Year derby kicks-off 2021

Posted on Thursday, December 31st, 2020

Civil Service Strollers will be Ainslie Park ‘first footers’ for the second year in succession as the New Year kicks off with a North Edinburgh Derby on January 2nd.

With Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting shown on the telly during the week, its perhaps fitting that Pilton meets Muirhouse in a battle for the points as both sides look get 2021 off to winning ways.

Mikey Forrester may not be around, however Spartans gaffer will be hoping that his namesake Allan will be fit again to retain his place at the heart of the home defence however the ‘Begbie’ of midfield Ian McFarland remains on the treatment table for now. Michael Bolochoweckyj is set to return to the squad after missing out on the trip to Stranraer.

It’s the ninth meeting between the sides in the Lowland League since the Strollers gained admission to the pyramid system in 2016, with Spartans ahead on the derby bragging rights with five wins.

The visitors head to Pilton Drive with a solitary derby victory however their taste of victory will still be relatively fresh as it was secured in the corresponding fixture this time last year.

That clash saw Spartans skipper Adam Corbett head for the sheds as his side sought a late equaliser. It was the third red card across the derby fixtures, the other two coming in the inaugural meeting which saw Milligan and Brown despatched ahead of a frantic finale in a 2-2 share of the spoils.

Its a fixture guaranteed to deliver drama, goals and sharing of pleasantries. Alas, as we make our latest venture into Level 4, a reminder that we are unable to welcome supporters to the game. We will however once again enjoy the dulcet tones of our live feed commentary team as we bring you coverage of the game via our You Tube site.

Remember, these games are free to watch, however as we aren’t charging fans to watch like other clubs, please do consider making a donation via the Donate A Ticket platform.

Ahead of the 3pm kick-off, Spartans and Civil Service Strollers will join fellow Lowland League clubs in holding a one minute silence in memory of Dalbeattie Star assistant manager Gary Holden who died on 25 December 2020.