Spartans need to be on guard against galvanised Coldstream in Scottish Cup opener

Posted on Thursday, September 24th, 2015

The Road to Hampden begins in earnest on Saturday when Spartans welcome Coldstream to Ainslie Park in Round 1 of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

Last year’s exciting Cup run saw Dougie Samuel’s side Defy the Odds against loftier league opposition in the shape of Clyde & Morton as the Spartan Army came out en masse to Be the 12th Man.

The width of the Berwick Rangers crossbar was all that stood in the way of taking the SPFL side to Extra Time as 1,000 fans made the midweek trip in what were true ‘Romance of the Cup’ scenes.

Visitors Coldstream, just like ourselves, will be keen to progress in the oldest domestic cup competition in world football.

The East of Scotland side go into the tie boosted by a 3-1 victory against Craigroyston, a win that now sees them sit 2nd top of the table on 13 points – the same total they amassed over the entire 2014/15 campaign.

Dougie Samuel’s squad selection once again sees the treatment table play its part with Jack Beesley, Scott Maxwell and Dan Ward all unavailable, whilst John Grant is suspended.

On a positive note Dean Horribine trained both nights this week and all being well he’ll secure a spot on the bench as his road to recovery continues.  Another return to the Spartans jersey is Robbie Ross.  After a season out due to injury, Robbie has completed a four week goal scoring loan spell at Vale of Leithen and is back in contention for a place this weekend.

Affordable football for all once again this weekend sees admission prices kept at £5 Adults & £3 Concessions for the tie. Please note that Season Tickets are NOT valid for Scottish Cup games.  Kick-off is 3pm.