The Spartans v Forfar Athletic – Match Preview
The ‘Loons’ will complete their hectic to say the least Premier Sports Group E fixtures with a visit to Ainslie Park in Edinburgh on Tuesday evening, fellow William Hill League2 side Spartans their opponents.
Ray McKinnon and his side after three matches that have yielded five points go into the clash with still an outside chance of topping the group if victory is achieved and a set of results in the other three remaining group fixtures went our way.
The manager has certainly been pleased with the application and a fair bit of football that has been pleasing on the eye in the trio of games to date.
Thankfully he was able to list a larger match day pool for the Cove game on Saturday following the signings of Arran Cocks and Filip Franczak on the eve of the match and also the return to action of Finn Robson.
Once again on Saturday the home side showed promise for the season ahead especially in the first thirty minutes or so of the contest where Blair Malcolm’s well taken goal apart, only some excellent goalkeeping from the visitors Balint Emus stopped the Athies adding to their tally.
Not surprisingly there were a few tired legs in evidence in the home ranks as Cove pressed in the second half but no one could deny the ‘Loons’ their point and a subsequent bonus point courtesy of big Marc’s heroics in the penalty shoot-out.
The Forfar management team may decided to freshen up the starting eleven for the Capital City clash with no doubt a few players requiring a fitness check prior to kick-off.
Skipper Stuart Morrison will return to the ranks following the serving of his one match suspension giving all going well Ray the luxury of six outfield substitutes on the night.
Spartans were the odd team out in the group on Saturday past but following an opening day 3-0 reverse at home to Dunfermline Athletic, they recorded an astonishing 5-0 victory up at Cove last midweek.
To many people in the game’s surprise free scoring Blair Henderson in still leading the Edinburgh side’s line, four ‘new’ faces in their ranks include Lewis Hunter snapped up from Annan and Calum Booth who made his loan move from St. Johnstone permanent in the summer months.
All four league fixtures with the long serving Dougie Samuel’s side were close fought affairs last term.
A 2-2 draw early in the season at Station Park was followed by three consecutive 1-0 score lines, all in favour of the home team on the day.
Another close encounter is potentially ‘on the cards’ for Tuesday evening, but ‘Loons’ fans can be certain that Stuart and his colleagues will be giving their all to at the very least cement a runner up spot in what is turning out to be hard fought group.
Certainly no matter the outcome at Ainslie Park the Forfar Athletic squad will have earned the ten day rest and recuperation period alongside a few training stints prior to the opening league fixture at home to Clyde on August 3rd.
Admission prices are again £12 for adults, £8 concessions and £1 for under 12’s.
Tickets can be purchased in advance, see the Spartans website for further detail, while cash and credit card payments are also accepted on the night.
Kick off time is the usual 7.45pm.
Gary Hanvidge is the man in the middle for the tie, the first time he will have refereed a ‘Loons’ fixture.
The other fixture in the group on Tuesday evening is at the Balmoral Stadium when Cove Rangers welcome Livingston. On Saturday the 27th, the final day fixtures are Dunfermline Athletic v Cove Rangers and Livingston v The Spartans.
