Lowland League | Fancy some festive thrills at Peffermill?

Posted on Monday, December 27th, 2021

It’s a fixture with a connection like few others in the non-league calendar as The Spartans make the short trip across the capital to take on Edinburgh University on Tuesday (28th December) in the final fixture of 2021.

Dougie Samuel takes his Spartans side to Peffermill where they will look to bring the curtain down on 2021 with a win and continue their unbeaten Lowland League run against the Students.

The Spartans and Edinburgh University of course share a wonderful history which saw the birth of the Ainslie Park side back in 1951 – an offshoot of the Student club.

The Spartans were established by two former Edinburgh University players, Elliot Wardlaw and Jimmy Beaumont (University Captain in 1948/49), in the summer of 1951 and immediately joined the East of Scotland League. Ronnie Swan, aka ‘Mr Spartans’, was also to become EUAFC Captain in 1952/53.

The club was originally formed for former university and college footballers but the constitution now allows “other interested parties” to join.

There have been a plethora of players who have turned out for both teams over the decades, ranging from Jimmy Dunnett to Dan Gerrard and Ally MacKinnon to name but a few.

Edinburgh University & Spartans Football Clubs used to share a ground called Canal Field (now Meggetland) prior to the mid-1970’s when the Students moved to Peffermill & Spartans headed to the North of the city and to City Park.

Of course, there’s perhaps no-one more familiar with the surroundings of Peffermill than the Gaffer himself, Dougie Samuel. Sammy was in charge of the Students for some nine years before joining The Spartans in June 2012, making him the longest serving Manager in the competition, with Dorian Ogunro next in line, taking over the University reigns in 2013.

Despite the recent Scottish Government Covid restrictions put in play that limits attendances to 500, we’re sure that everyone who wishes to attend will be accommodated safely at Peffermill.

Kick-off is 7.45pm. Admission £6 / £4. There will be limited parking and sadly no catering.


Next Fixture

                     
Date: Saturday 30th March
Opponent: Forfar
Venue:Ainslie Park
Competition: SPFL 2
Kick off: 3.00pm

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