Management thoughts on Fernieside tomorrow.

Posted on Friday, December 18th, 2009

Mike says –

“First and foremost we all want the game to go ahead. It doesn’t look too promising this morning but too many times games are put off prematurely and a change in the weather ends up with a playable park and the players elsewhere.

We (at Spartans) are happy to turn up for any game and await a decision by the match official but understand in certain circumstances an early inspection allows teams to pursue alternative training arrangements. For now we hope for a snow free day and a slight increase in the temperature outside.

Tynecastle caught us cold at the Academy on  29th August. They deservedly beat us that day and looked a good side as they found their feet in the “higher” league.  They currently sit fourth in the table with games in hand on those around them and look set for a very good first season upstairs.

That day at the Academy their energy and application matched by a playing style which passed the ball on the ground at pace, impressed me greatly. We’ll have to be at the very top of our game to take anything away from Fernieside tomorrow.  

For our part Danny O’Donnell is unfit, Stewart Fowlie is struggling and Jorge Vinelli tore knee ligaments at training last night and will go home to Spain for Christmas in crutches. Chris Smith is still recovering from a groin strain so we are once again down to the bare bones.

On the plus side Dean Hoskins should be available as will Luke Cassidy and Phil McKibben.

As I’ve said Tynecastle are a very good side but then again so are we and despite losing two of our last three games we played well against both Forfar and the Vale. Our players have to “keep the faith” and continue to play the fast passing games which suits their style and our cause.

Winning a league title is no easy matter and retaining it is even harder. That is our aim and to do that we must be at our best tomorrow and get a positive result.

As I say at the top we are all hoping for a break in the weather and are looking forward to a good game of football.”

Mike