Lowland League: 12th Man is vital as Spartans seek to clinch title

Posted on Friday, April 13th, 2018

The talking is over.  The time has come.  It’s D-Day.  The list of clichés available to describe Saturday’s Ferrari Packaging Lowland League final ninety minutes is endless.

And rightly so.  In what has been the tightest run season since the Ainslie Park side won the inaugural competition in 2013/14, it all comes down to the last game of the last weekend of the thirty game campaign.

After playing catch up since the early days in the competition, some nine points adrift of fellow title chasers East Kilbride, Dougie Samuel’s men have battled their way through the rollercoaster ride with tenacity and tekkers.  Last minute winners and late goals at the other end in equal measure have made it an enthralling battle that finally comes down to the wire.

A win for Spartans in front of their home fans will see the Lowland League helicopter – or similar mode of transport deployed – head to the Capital circa 4.45pm.  Alternatively, it may head over to Stirling where East Kilbride will lay in wait for a slip up assuming they can stun the Students in the process.

Following Spartans 0-4 midweek win on the road in Dalbeattie, Captain Michael Herd will face a late fitness test after succumbing to injury as a result of a challenge that saw the hosts reduced to 10 men.  Paul Thomson and Ross Allum both return to the fold following their Wednesday work commitments whilst Ross Guthrie is knocking on the Gaffers door for a spot on the bench as his treatment table days come to a close.

All Coaches of our Youth Section will be granted free entry for this key clash by coming along sporting your club colours. Of course, all the kids can come from free, as standard.

Due to anticipated increase in footfall for this title decider, the upstairs Café / Bar has been designated as a Committee / Season Ticket Holder area only.  Passes will be available from any of the Board on arrival.

Gates open at 1.45pm for this 3pm kick-off.  Admission is £7 adults, £4 concessions and Under 16s are Free entry.