All roads lead to Edinburgh for Spartans clash

Last weekend, both teams faced empty game-weeks, with the Alliance Park surface being deemed as unplayable ahead of our meeting with Mid Annandale.

This weekend’s hosts currently lay in 4th position, sitting just one point off leaders Celtic B at the top of the standings after an impressive run of recent form. Dougie Samuel’s promotion hopefuls are currently undefeated in their last nine and haven’t suffered defeat since November, as they continue their push towards the summit of the league.

Revenge will be on the cards for the Braves, after The Spartans ran out 2-4 victors in an entertaining six goal spectacle in the sides previous meeting this campaign. On the day, goals from Cammy Breadner and Jamie Watson weren’t enough to pull the Braves back into the game, after The Spartans ran into a 0-3 lead in the first half at Alliance Park.

Ricky Waddell’s side have been in fine attacking form this season, as the division’s top scorers behind only Celtic B and Rangers B. However, this weekend, the unstoppable force will meet the immovable object, with The Spartans possessing the divisions tightest defence. Having conceded just 28 goals in their 25 games this season, the Braves will have to be on top form to find the back of the net… but we know scoring goals is rarely an issue for the boys!

Despite scoring an impressive 16 goals in their last five, the Braves have suffered mixed recent form with two victories and three losses coming into the game. Meanwhile, our hosts come into the game in fine fettle, having recorded four victories and one draw in their last five, having grabbed a last gasp equaliser in a 2-2 draw at home to Open Goal Broomhill in their previous game.

The Spartans possess a squad with a plethora of talent to call upon, including striker and top scorer Blair Henderson. Additionally, former Caledonian Braves player Rhys Armstrong could be in line to face his ex-club, after the playmaking 20-year-old departed Alliance Park in the summer.

Team News

One of our key men, Zac Butterworth, returns to the squad for Saturday’s game following a minor hamstring injury. Lewis McLear has finally returned to training after a serious groin injury which has kept him out of action since the end of last season and enters this squad for the weekend. New signing Liam Craig could also be in line to make his debut after joining from Dalbeattie Star at the beginning of this week. Longer term absentees, Jack McDowall (Knee) and Greig Stewart (Femur fracture) remain out however.

Ricky’s thoughts ahead of Spartans

“Spartans are a strong side, they’ve got good players going forward. But we showed last time out we were 3-0 down at half-time but managed to improve in the 2nd half but again it wasn’t enough on that day.

“We want a performance for ourselves, it would be good to get a win against Spartans. We done it last year we drew with them here (Alliance Park) and beat them at their place. There’s nothing to fear at all, we just go and be positive.

We’ve said to the guys recently let’s just go for things, make our mind up let’s be bold and go for it. Take the shackles off and be as positive as we can.”

Ticket Information

If you’re interested in attending the game this weekend, tickets can be purchased in advance at the link here (https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/ChooseQuantity?ticketId=187&fixtureId=2413) (Adults £9, Concessions £6 and Under 16’s free). A 3pm kick-off at Ainslie Park, Edinburgh, we hope to see you there to cheer the boys onto a massive three points!

So safe travels to all supporters making the trip and best of luck to Ricky and the lads!