SPFL 2: September starts with Spartans v Stenny

Posted on Friday, September 1st, 2023

After their 350 road trip North, The Spartans are back home this Saturday where they welcome Stenhousemuir to Ainslie Park in round five of the cinch SPFL 2 competition.

The new boys on the SPFL block go into the clash undefeated in their inaugural historic season with a brace of draws and victories under their belt, including an impressive victory last week against a solid Peterhead side at Balmoor.

Jamie Dishington’s hour mark winner saw the Spartans player pathway graduate net his third SPFL goal in four games, an impressive return following the team’s promotion from the Lowland League.

Following a pair of goalless encounters to kick-off their season, Gary Naysmith’s Stenny picked up a decent three points at Bayview before succumbing to a 2-4 defeat at home last time out against Dumbarton.

Naturally it will be the first match between the sides in league duty however the clubs have met before in Scottish Cup and Friendly fixtures.

Those Scottish Cup encounters came in the 1980/81 season.  After disposing of fellow Division 2 side Alloa, who were leading the table at the time, after a 1^st round replay, Stenhousemuir were drawn at home against East of Scotland outfit The Spartans.   

After a bitterly cold 3^rd of January Ochilview encounter that saw neither side find the net, a replay was required to see who would progress to face Motherwell, a mid-table Division 1 side managed by a certain Ally MacLeod.

That replay took place at Easter Road the following Wednesday at the unusual time of 2.30pm thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the Hibernian club to offer the use of the heated pitch and all other facilities at the ground free of charge. 

Spartans Secretary Ronnie Swan noted at his gratitude at the time by saying, “Really, we couldn’t be more grateful to Hibs.  They’ve ensured that neither Stenhousemuir nor ourselves will have to get folk off their work only in order for a postponement.”

A decent crowd attended the midweek replay.  Goals from Hancock and Jack either side of half time brought Harry Glasgow’s side victory however it was Spartans who actually took the lead with a crisply-struck 11^th minute effort from McKinnon.  The amateurs were reported to have played their best football on a sapping surface early on, but ‘sheer energy’ wore down the ‘band of Edinburgh doctors and teachers’ in the end.

Supporters Update:

With Hibs and Hearts not in action until Sunday after their European efforts on Thursday evening, it’s an ideal opportunity for fans to get a weekend’s worth of football across the capital and Spartans continue to offer a half price offer for season ticket holders of both Premiership clubs.  Just show your club’s season ticket at the turnstile to benefit from this deal.

Kick-off is 3.00pm.

Admission prices are £15 Adults, £10 Concessions (Students / OAPS) and £5 for Youths aged 15-18.  Under 14s can attend for free. Tickets can be purchased in advance via Fanbase  or pay at the gate.

Free Season Tickets are also available for Kids under 16.

Match Programmes are on sale priced £3. Cafe/Bar will be open pre-match.

First time to Ainslie Park?  Here’s our Supporter Guide to making the most of your day in North Edinburgh.