First Team
Friday Night Lights in the Capital!
24th August 2023
On Friday night, the Caledonian Braves will be back on the road to face Hearts B, in another tough Lowland League clash. With the boys coming out on the wrong end of a 0-1 loss at home to Civil Service Strollers during the week – despite putting in a strong performance – we’ll be looking to bounce back in the capital under the lights!
Opposition insight
Hearts’ first team will have their full eyes on European football this week, however the Wee Jambos will need to be on top form to get a result against the Braves at Ainslie Park. Hearts B have started the season in strong fashion, with five wins and a draw in their seven games to date, coming into the game on the back of a strong 3-0 victory over promotion hopefuls, Tranent Juniors. Led by Liam Fox – who was managing Premiership side Dundee United last season – Hearts B have made substantial improvements over the summer, with a number of talented youngsters on the roster, looking to make that step up to the top level with Hearts.
Previous Meetings
Promise can be drawn from our two clashes against Hearts last season, where we ran out as winners on both occasions in the Lowland League. In our previous meeting, the Braves picked up an impressive 2-5 victory in Edinburgh, with Luke Main, John Guthrie, Zac Butterworth and Jamie Watson getting on the scoresheet that evening. Whilst a year ago to the week at Alliance Park, we came out victorious in another high scoring game, winning 3-2 with goals from Scott Cusick, Zac Butterworth and Jamie Watson sealing the victory.
Our Last Outing
Unfortunately, the Braves will come into the game on the back of a narrow 0-1 loss at home to Civil Service Strollers on Tuesday night. Despite an even opening half, Civil took a lead into half time, with little separating the sides in the first half. The opener came from Innes Lawson who smashed in from close range after a nice piece of football, whilst our best chance came from a low Matty Collins strike after a great counterattack. The Braves dominated the second half from the get-go, dominating the ball and territory in the follow forty-five minutes. Civil sat deep and valiantly defended their goal however, to see out an impressive win. John Guthrie once again impressed in the Braves midfield despite the score line and came the closest to scoring, with a left-footed shot from outside the box, in the dying embers of the match.
Team News
Last week, Jack McDowall and Robbie Stewart returned to our starting line-up and made it through the game against St Cuthbert Wanderers.
Greig Stewart also returned on Tuesday night to start against Civil, after overcoming a recent knock.
Cammy Breadner will continue to be an injury doubt with a minor hip issue. Whilst Rhys Caves (ankle) and Enzo Wright (hamstring) are also expected to miss out
Game Information
If you’re planning on coming along to back the boys, the game will be a 7:45pm on Friday night, at Ainslie Park, Edinburgh. Tickets will be available for £5/£2/Free (under 16’s) and gates will open at 7pm.
We’ll also be providing free commentary on Twitter/X Spaces once again, alongside updates on our official app. So make sure you tune in to hear how the boys get on!
Best of luck to Ricky and the lads this Friday night, as we look to get some well-earned Lowland League points reflected on the board. Come on you Braves!