Samuel has sense of excitement ahead of Football Nation Semi Final

Posted on Tuesday, February 16th, 2016

Spartans look to secure their first cup final appearance since May 2014 when they take on Gala Fairydean Rovers in the Semi Final of the Football Nation Cup on Wednesday evening at Ainslie Park.

The sides have yet to meet on Lowland League business this season and whilst it may be 2^nd v 9^th on paper in terms of the table, the proverbial dangling carrot of a cup final means everything is to play in a game that will be played to a finish on the night.

Speaking ahead of what promises to be an enthralling encounter, Spartans manager Dougie Samuel said, “There’s a real sense of excitement around the club ahead of Wednesday if I’m honest.  We’ve not reached the final of a cup since June 2014 when we played in the King Cup so it’s obviously been a wee while and it’s something we want to put right.

“Last year we lost out of the South Cup on a technicality due to as administration error which was a hugely disappointing climax to our season.  So, we are hoping that we can progress to the final and give ourselves an opportunity to lift the trophy.”

It’s the second cup tie in a few days for Samuel’s side after they needed 120 minutes to defeat Cumbernauld Colts in the South Challenge Cup.  An additional thirty minutes that the gaffer will hope won’t burden his men against the Borders side.

Samuel added, “Going to extra time at the weekend wasn’t ideal however when you score in the last minute to take it into extra time, you aren’t going to complain.  I think it’s always difficult when you play the same team who weeks in a row.  On the day, Colts were extremely well organised, stuck to their game plan and made it really difficult for us.

“I thought we did look a little bit leg heavy on Saturday.  We’re working with a small squad at the moment and we’ll need to try and rotate as best as we can on Wednesday by bringing in youngsters from our Under 20s and East of Scotland side.”

The starting line-up is one in the balance, with Robbie McNab facing an uphill race to be fit, Micheal Herd laid low with a virus and David Greenhill out the country.  On the plus side, Scott Maxwell and Jack Beesley continue their journeys to full match fitness and will be included in the squad.

Kick-off is at 7.45pm.  Admission: Adults £5, Concessions £3, Under 16s Free.

Members of Dance Division will be hoping to raise some cash on the night too.  Spartans Academy Volunteer Chanelle Martin and her group are heading to Sri Lanka in the summer to teach dance in local orphanages and well as helping with literacy and numeracy along the way.  They will be collecting donations around the ground and proceeds from hot dog sales in the downstairs café will go to the project.