EOS Qualifying Cup: Winning mentality catalyst to maintaining momentum insists Waugh

Posted on Tuesday, August 10th, 2021

The Spartans take a break from Lowland League duty tonight (Tuesday 10th) when they welcome Linlithgow Rose to Ainslie Park in the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup R2.

Despite four clean-sheet victories on the bounce, form is frequently thrown out the window when it comes to a knockout cup encounter with the visitors looking to claim a scalp.

The East of Scotland Premier League outfit have had a mixed start to their campaign with half of their six matches so far ending in draws.  Of course, the cup tie will be played to an end on Tuesday night so a stalemate this time isn’t on the cards.

One key figure in driving The Spartans forward this season is Kevin Waugh.  The new recruit has been a player that Dougie Samuel was delighted to secure during the extended close season and the midfielder is determined to make his first season at Ainslie Park a successful one.

“It’s been a good start, but we still want to continue building momentum.  It doesn’t matter what competition it is, we want to be winning. 

“Winning games of football just breeds a winning mentality and that continues on Tuesday night where we build on those four clean-sheets on the trot and keep firing in the goals at the other end.”

The tie against Linlithgow sees Spartans embark upon a mission to win a trophy they have done so 10 times previously, and Waugh is determined to kick-off his own journey to silverware following his pre-season move from Berwick Rangers.

Does Waugh have his sights on first season Spartans silverware? “100%, there’s no two ways about it. The last couple of years have been a wee bit hard for me being injured on and off.  That’s been tough enough on it’s own, then having Covid too, but I’m back playing now.

“I feel fresh, I feel fit and the minute I met the Gaffer in the summer it was a no-brainer that I was going to sign for Spartans.  I had another couple of options on the table, but they weren’t really interesting me. 

“Whether the idea at the time was to win the league or not,  we’ll just need to wait and see.  We’ll need to do the business on the park.  It’s all very well and good talking on social media etc about having that ambition, but we need to have that ambition on the pitch – and that’s what I’m here for.”

Kick-off is at 7.45pm and will be played to a finish.  Admission Prices are £8 Adults and £5 Concessions.  You can buy your ticket in advance via the Fanbase app or alternatively we will still accept pay at the gate – card preferred.

Match Programmes will be on sale priced at just £2.