SPFL Trust Trophy: Spartans take on Rangers B

Posted on Monday, July 31st, 2023

The Spartans move on from their impressive Viaplay Cup showing on Tuesday night when they turn their attentions to the SPFL Trust Trophy 1^st Round clash against Rangers B at Ainslie Park.

There’s a feeling of déjà vu about the fixture, with the sides having met in the same round of the tournament early last season.

Of course, the sides have been familiar acquaintances over the last two Lowland League campaigns, having met on four occasions during that period.

Last time out saw Douglas Samuel’s men record a vital 3-1 victory at home as Rangers B first footed North Edinburgh early in January.  Cammy Russell, Jordan Tapping and Rhys Armstrong on the scoresheet that evening, kicking off what was set to be the biggest year in the club’s 73 year history.

Our visitors have had three games inside the last week in prep for tonight’s tie. 

David McCallum’s youngsters opened up their summer with a 1-4 defeat at the hands of Belgian outfit OH Leuven before recording a 3-0 win over Everton in midweek.  At the weekend, they defeated Burnley u21s 5-3 at the Rangers Training Centre, including a brace for Alex Lowry from the spot.

It was Lowry who scored the winner in this fixture last season, an impressive free-kick from 25 yards.

Kick-off at Ainslie Park is 7.45pm. Tickets can be either purchased in advance via Fanbase or supporters can pay at the gate.

Parking directly at the ground will be limited / unlikely. There is on street parking nearby along with neighbouring Morrison’s where you could get your messages before or after the game whilst you are parked there.

Season tickets are NOT valid for SPFL Trust Trophy fixtures.

Unfortunately, the City of Edinburgh Council have yet to approve the continued use of the Newtown Roofing & Building stand following the expiration of the temporary safety certificate issued for last season’s promotion winning play-off games.  We remain hugely frustrated.

We highly recommend any supporters who wish to sit in the stand, which accommodates 504 spectators, to arrive early.

On a more positive note, we have a signed off capacity of 3500 excluding the stand which will offer sufficient space for all spectators coming along.

Coming to Ainslie Park for the first time? Here’s our handy guide.