Cup progress is elementary for permanent signing Watson

Posted on Friday, February 3rd, 2023

It’s a break from the trials and tribulations of the Lowland League this Saturday as Spartans welcome Dunipace to Ainslie Park in Round 4 of the East of Scotland South Challenge Cup.

Both sides have experienced lifting the trophy during its previous 15 tournaments.  Spartans having won it three years on the bounce in 2009, 2010 & 2011 with the visitors having more recent success, defeating Broomhill 3-1 in 2020.

Dougie Samuel’s side go into the tie against the East of Scotland Division 1 side with the momentum of a ten match unbeaten run behind them and Kieran Watson, who joined the club on a permanent basis from FC Edinburgh earlier this week is keen to progress in the hunt for silverware success.

Speaking of his return to the club after the end of his recent loan spell, Watson said, “When I first joined, I settled into Spartans life straight away within the first couple of sessions and I already knew some the boys too which helped. 

“I loved it because as I was back playing football on Saturdays and the set up here is great.  The way I was treated by the Gaffer and the lads whilst on loan really made me feel part of the team and returning actually makes me feel like I’ve ‘come home’.”

Turning his attentions to the weekend, whilst Watson may not have the lowdown on the opposition in detailed form, the desired outcome is no different from any other game.

“I don’t know too much about what to expect from Dunipace other than watching their highlights on You Tube but as long as we go out on the park with the right mentality and get the win and into the next round, that’s what matters to me.”

The unbeaten run for Spartans stretches back since early November including recent victories whilst Watson was back at his then parent club FC Edinburgh, a fact that delivers a chuckle from the Defender.

“We were winning quite well without me so the lads clearly didn’t miss me that much! Seriously though, progress in cup tournaments and three points every league game is what we want and need.  We’ve got another big match against Bo’ness coming up next Wednesday however the main focus is to get the win on Saturday, keep the momentum going and see where it takes us.”

OUR OPPONENTS

The men from Denny reached the 3rd Round of the Scottish Cup this season for the first time in the club’s 134-year history, a run including a decent 5-2 win over Highland League side Turriff United before heading back up North where they bowed out against Cove Rangers.

However it’s been an indifferent start to 2023 for men from Westfield Park with last weekend’s win over Burntisland Shipyard putting a stop to a three match losing run.

THE JOURNEY SO FAR

Spartans 3-0 Berwick Rangers

Spartans 9-0 Glasgow University

Hill of Beath Hawthorn 1-1 (3-4 pens) Dunipace

Dunipace 2-1 Tynecastle (AET)

ADMISSION INFORMATION

Today’s match kicks off at 3pm. Admission prices are £9 for adults and £6 for concessions. Season tickets are NOT valid.

ACADEMY CAFÉ / BAR

The Café will be open to home and away supporters prior to kick-off and again following the match where the 6 Nations Calcutta Cup match between England & Scotland will be on the big screen.

PREVIOUS MATCH

The sides last met in a pre-season friendly in July 2018 at Ainslie Park.  On that summer’s day, the mercury topped 24 degrees come kick-off time in what was best described as a ‘muggy afternoon’ in the North Edinburgh Riviera.

The woodwork saved both sides in the opening half as it remained goalless at the break however Spartans were to score five without reply after the interval, including goals from Academy Graduates Harry Girdwood and Cameron Dawson.