South Challenge Cup | Sammy Leven nothing to chance in search for silverware

Posted on Thursday, March 10th, 2022

The Spartans make a trip into the relative unknown this weekend when they head to Alexandria where they take on Vale of Leven in the Trade Radiators South Challenge Cup 5th Round.

It’ll be the first meeting between the sides and a place in the Quarter Final awaits the winners of tie which takes place at the West of Scotland Conference C side’s Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium.

Our hosts will be looking to top off their 150th anniversary with silverware, with double centurion Lee McGeachy and top scorer Callum Richardson likely leading the charge.

Richardson’s double was instrumental in last week’s win that secured the 5th round tie against Spartans, with Vale scoring as many goals as their opponents Thorniewood had players dismissed during a tousy tie that saw nine further bookings, seven of which for the home team.

For Dougie Samuel, he will be making the trip without Ryan Finnie who has taken the opportunity to make a move across the globe to set up his stall playing in Perth, Australia, whilst skipper Ian McFarland will have benefitted from his game time last week as he returns to the side.

The road to Round 5 has seen Spartans defeat Easthouses Lily, Haddington and Syngenta whilst Vale of Leven disposed of Irvine Victoria, Edinburgh University and Thorniewood United.

Spartans have won the South Challenge Cup on three occasions, a hat-trick of back-to-back final victories in 2009, 2010 & 2011.

Kick-off is at the earlier time of 2pm. There is still space for fans to travel on the team bus, which leaves at 10am from Ainslie Park.