SPFL 2: Cragsy keen to bagsy another away day win

Posted on Friday, November 10th, 2023

The Spartans are on the road for the third week on the bounce and a trip to Ochilview on Saturday awaits where they take on Stenhousemuir in the latest round of cinch SPFL 2 fixtures.

There’s only one point separating the two in-form teams who sit 4^th and 3^rd respectively, with our hosts having a game in hand.

It took a 97^th minute goal to separate the sides last time out, Spartans only defeat this season however Douglas Samuel takes his charges to Stenny looking to preserve their unbeaten away record.

One man keen to put his body on the line to ensure that happens is James Craigen.  The midfielder has been an integral part of Samuel’s starting XIs this season since his move across the Capital from Edinburgh City.

Ahead of the clash between two of the table’s top four, Craigen said, “We have a good away record so far this season and long may that continue.  It’s going to be a tough game against Stenhousemuir for sure, as all have them have turned in out to be in this really tight league.

“There’s only a coat of paint between so many of the teams and we know we’ll have to be on it right from the off, stick to our game plan and respond to how the Gaffer wants us to play.

“It goes without saying that we’ll need to give our all to get a result on Saturday however should we do so, what a massive lift that would give us.”

Craigen, who has scored crucial opening goals in wins against Elgin City and Stranraer, is undoubtedly conscious of the spotlight being shone on the league newbies however his experience at this level is crucial in maintaining perspective in a season that still has a consider journey still to go.

He added, “We’re enjoying quietly going about our business and aren’t getting ahead of ourselves but these are the games that we know as individuals we want to play with the ball as much as we can and collectively as a unit, we want to be involved in these top of the table clashes, so we’re really excited for it.”

“I think you get that bounce when you come up as a team and we’ve certainly used that.  You go into the second round of fixtures and clubs that have been probably trying to work you out have had the experience of seeing what you are all about so we may need to tweak a few things, but that’s fine.

“We’re quite happy to be ticking over and doing so relatively under the radar as we go. We’ll let ourselves concentrate on doing our talking on the pitch really.  And if we can keep knitting results together and keep building on what we’ve done already this season, I think that’s good for us and we’re happy with that.”

Kick Off | 3pm

Location | Ochilview Park, Stenhousemuir

Match Entry |  Cash and digital tickets are accepted at the turnstiles. The easiest option is to buy your ticket in advance and you can do that easily here.

• Adult | £15
• Concession 65+ | £10
• Under 16 | £5

Ochilview Guide | If you’re making your first trip to Ochilview, you may find this cracking guide from our hosts useful. You can view it here.