Spartans out to grab the Thistle in South Challenge Cup tie

Posted on Friday, October 14th, 2016

Spartans take a break from Lowland League duty this weekend as Lochar Thistle make the trip from Dumfries for the South Challenge Cup Round 2 clash.

The South of Scotland League side head to the Capital with a mixed bag of recent fortunes whilst Spartans will be keen to avoid an early exit in a tournament they reached the semi final of last season.

Thistle Manager Nikki White is no stranger to locking horns with Dougie Samuel’s side.  The former Gretna 2008 man was the stand-in substitute shot-stopper during last season’s League Cup semi final at Raydale Park.

Samuel has Craig Johnston back at his disposal following suspension whilst Keith Murray and Alan Brown remain treatment table buddies.

NB: This match will kick-off at 4pm.

Ainslie Park Stadium will be hosting the Women’s u/17 UEFA International Match between Scotland and France at 1pm.

As a result, spectators will not be admitted until 3.30pm at which time the cafe/bar will open.

Car parking in the area will be difficult therefore please plan your journey well in advance.

For an ideal local pre-admission rendezvous point, the nearby Urban Village Hotel at Crewe Toll has a bar with live sport on their big screens.