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SPFL 2: Carswell sees win on the road as catalyst for Spartans confidence boost

Saturday, November 2nd, 2024

Blair Carswell’s Spartans journey started between the sticks when he was just five years old.  The Cat has been a key custodian of the gloves during a decade that has seen the Club’s journey through the pyramid system result in the ultimate goal of reaching the SPFL.  

As the clocks go back, time flies on and Carswell and Co are already into Q2 of the second season in the professional league set-up.  The opening quarter was laced with successes against loftier position across cup competitions however the focus is now firmly fixed on a league campaign that sees the side keen to recover ground in the hunt for a back-to-back play-off place.

Last season not only saw the first fixture between the clubs, by the end of it they had accumulated seven games across cup, league and play-offs, whilst the opening contest this campaign ended with the scoreboard untroubled.

Carswell, with 311 senior appearances under his belt, will be keen to add to his 109 clean sheets come full time and the Spartans No.1 offered his thoughts ahead of the bus trip to Balmoor.

“Having never played Peterhead before, we were certainly familiar with each other by the end of season!  We’ve had success both up the road and at home against them so we know we are more than capable of getting a result and that’s naturally our aim once more come 3pm.

“It’s probably fair to say that we’ve been through a sticky spell that as a group we’ve not been overly used to.  The squad and the backroom staff however are channelling our energies on the next game to turn this around and we look to today’s game against Peterhead for that to come to fruition.

“A big performance on the road will invariably show the character and the togetherness we have as a group.  We’ve been working hard every session to continue to develop as a group and get that win that we will be looking to use as a catalyst to kick-start what’s been an overall successful start to the season and three points will certainly bolster confidence within the camp.

“I certainly don’t think we’re a million miles off where we need to be to turning these ninety minutes into winning ones.  We’ve been playing well across long spells in within games, Lady Luck might not be on our side with every break of the ball recently but I’m confident than with the next win under our belt, we’ll use that to build momentum and push on from that point.”

Kick-off is at 3.00pm.

Coming Up – A look ahead at the Spartans weekend

Friday, November 1st, 2024

What a weekend instore for the trio of Spartans senior clubs with three fantastic fixtures to whet your appetite.

Friday night under the lights at Ainslie Park sees the free-scoring Under 20s come up against senior opposition in the shape of EOS second division side Kennoway Star Hearts in a friendly fixture.  It’s sure to be a tough test for Les Atkinson’s young team who continued to be the pacesetters in the Lowland Development League.  Kick-off is 7.45pm.

Its an early start for Douglas Samuel’s SPFL 2 men who make the 330 mile round trip to Peterhead as they look to get back to winning ways at Balmoor Stadium.  Last time out the sides shared the spoils in a goalless draw at Ainslie Park however they were certainly no strangers with each other last season when they met no fewer than seven times in our debut campaign. 3.00pm Kick-off.

Back from the International break that saw Scotland gain back-to-back victories over Hungary with former Ainslie Park goalie Eartha Cumings between the sticks, Jack Beesley’s Spartans Women go into a crucial clash against Queen’s Park as they look to build on recent momentum that has seen them win three out of the last four SWPL 1 fixtures.  A lunchtime 1.00pm meeting.

Whatever game you go to, get behind your Spartans team.  We are together, that’s what counts.

Graham Carbis joins as Head of Commercial

Wednesday, October 30th, 2024

The Spartans are delighted to announce Graham Carbis as Head of Commercial at Ainslie Park.

Speaking on joining the Club, Carbis said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to join Spartans FC as Head of Commercial. From my very first conversation with Keith and Kyle from the Board of Directors, as well as Chairman Craig, I felt an undeniable connection to the club’s vision and values. Their passion and commitment sold me instantly. I can’t wait to leverage my experience to contribute to the club’s growth and success. Together, we will take Spartans FC to new heights.”

Club Chairman Craig Graham added, “We are delighted to have Graham on board.  As we build our club there is a fantastic opportunity for our Commercial partners to develop with us, and Graham will be critical to this.  He brings a superb track record and we are so excited that he has chosen to join The Spartans.”

Coming Up – A look ahead at the Spartans weekend

Thursday, October 24th, 2024

The Spartans weekend begins in East Lothian where Les Atkinson’s Under 20s head to Forester Park where they face Tranent in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland Development League.

It’s the third time this season so far that the sides have met – on league and cup duty – with Spartans gaining the early upper hand with a pair of victories.

The hosts come into the game boosted by a penalty shoot-out Challenge Cup away to Glasgow University last week whilst the Spartans head down the A1 on a nine competitive match unbeaten run.

Kick-off is 8.00pm.

It’s the beginning of the Road to Hampden on Saturday afternoon at Ainslie Park when Douglas Samuel’s men welcome Cowdenbeath in Round 2 of the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup.

It’s the 75th outing in the competition for the Ainslie Park side and the third time the sides have met for the oldest national trophy in the world.  It was at the same stage of the Cup in the 1990/91 where they took part in a ‘farcical’ 0-0 draw at snowy City Park before (eventually) heading to Central Park for the replay.

Both teams take a break from their respective League campaigns with each club undoubtedly keen to be one of the twenty teams who join Championship and League One in the hat for the 3rd Round draw.

The Blue Brazil are currently 15th in the Lowland League and will make the trip over the Queensferry Crossing with former Spartan Sam Newman making a return to Pilton following his move to the Kingdom in the summer.

Kick-off is 3.00pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance via Fanbase or you can pay at the gate.

Jack Beesley’s side take a break from competitive action on Sunday with a closed door friendly.  Beesley’s outfit earned plaudits last week for their industrious endeavours against high-flying Celtic at New Douglas Park, being edged out by a single strike.   Spartans currently sit 8th in the table with two big games against Queen’s Park and Montrose on the horizon.

SPFL 2: Spartans edged out by Elgin

Sunday, October 20th, 2024

The Spartans were defeated 3-1 at home by Elgin City in a League Two clash at Ainslie Park on Saturday.

Following an energetic start from both sides, Elgin went ahead in the 12th minute.  After an initial save from Spartans goalkeeper Blair Carswell, Elgin defender Kyle Girvan followed in and headed in from close range. 

Spartans were soon on the hunt for an equaliser, and in the 36th minute, a ball was whipped into the box from the right. Skipper Blair Henderson was bundled over in the box by Kyle Girvan for a penalty. 

Henderson stepped up and coolly dispatched his penalty into the bottom left corner- sending Elgin City goalkeeper Aiden Glaven the wrong way for 1-1. 

Spartans carried their momentum into the second half. 

Midfielder Bradley Whyte drove forward from midfield past three Elgin players before getting a shot off- but it was comfortable for Glavin in goal. 

Spartans racked up nine corners throughout the match. Elgin City’s defence stood strong, with centre-back Lyall Booth impressing in particular- making several headed clearances for his side. 

Elgin manager Allan Hale’s substitutes undoubtedly changed the game. Forward Oliver McDonald was only on the pitch for a few minutes before getting on the scoresheet.

After winning the ball on the left-wing, he took on two Spartans defenders before cutting in and unleashing a great strike from outside the area into the top right corner for 2-1.

It was a sucker punch for Spartans who looked promising in the opening 20 minutes of the second half.  The home side tried to get themselves level once again, but ultimately ran out of steam.

Spartans’ best chance to equalise arrived through Bradley Whyte, after another great delivery from out wide – but his headed effort was easy for Glavin to catch in goal.

Elgin put the game to bed in the 89th minute though, when Oliver McDonald made a good run down the right wing. He whizzed a low ball into the box, finding striker Dylan Gavin for the tap-in.

FT: The Spartans 1-3 Elgin City

Post match Douglas Samuel, said: “I thought it was a good game. I actually thought that over the piece we played well, and I think 3-1 probably flattered them slightly.

“We started the second half really well and we were on top, the key thing was that we didn’t score in that 20 minute spell. I think if we scored, there’s a good chance we might go on and win the game.”

Words – Matthew Burns

Show Racism the Red Card in Scotland

Saturday, October 19th, 2024

The Spartans are proudly continuing their support of Show Racism the Red Card’s Match Actions Campaign during today’s game v Elgin City. Show Racism the Red Card is the UK’s leading anti-racism Education Charity, working within schools, workplaces, sports, and community organisations to educate children, young people, and adults on challenging prejudice and stereotypes.

Using the power of football is a powerful tool to initiate conversations about anti-racism and our club has supported their messages of tolerance and inclusion for many years. Now more than ever, the importance of active anti-racism cannot be overstated.

Across Scottish football, clubs will show their commitment to anti-racism over one weekend – Friday 18th, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th October. This weekend also coincides with Show Racism the Red Card’s UK-wide annual fundraising drive, Wear Red Day, taking place on Friday 18th. On this day, individuals and groups up and down the country are encouraged to wear red and donate to show their support for the campaign and its message.

Billy Singh, Campaign Manager from Show Racism the Red Card in Scotland had this to say: 

“We are delighted once again that Scottish football is supporting our much-needed anti-racist message. With the recent race riots in England and the continued demonisation of migrant communities across the UK we all have a collective responsibility to challenge all acts of racism not only within football but in our communities, workplaces and social spaces. In our schools we have, on average, 50 recorded racist incidents a week and on our streets there are on average 9 recorded racist incidents a day. Thankfully in Scotland we did not have the race riots that they had in England but there are people in our communities that want to divide us. 

Football fans can be a force for good and by being active anti-racists we can change hearts, minds and lives. Please continue to support our campaign.”

Club Captain Kevin Waugh added, “Discrimination has absolutely no place in football, as well as society in general.  Going to a game should mean an enjoyable, family friendly 90 minutes for all, irrespective of their racial or religious background.

“Everyone here at Spartans are backing Show Racism the Red Card’s Fortnight of Action campaign to continue to deliver a positive message about inclusiveness in sport and in life as a whole.”

Football is a sport that is loved across the world and football matches should be an enjoyable experience for everyone, of all backgrounds. Education is the key and since our formation in 1996 Show Racism the Red Card has engaged with over 1 million learners. The Spartans FC are proud to support the campaign to reach their next big milestone and to ensure Scotland is equipped with the tools to challenge and eradicate racism from football and society.


Further information:

Website: www.theredcard.org
Education Hub: www.theredcardhub.org

Video platform: www.voices.theredcard.org

Wear Red Day: www.theredcard.org/wear-red-day

And follow them on:

Instagram @SRtRCScotland 

Twitter @SRtRCScotland

Facebook.com/theRedCardScotland