Premier Sports: Henderson hopes for magical day against Dons

Posted on Friday, September 20th, 2024

Blair Henderson’s relationship with this season’s Premier Sports Cup has been a profitable one – so far. 

The Spartans’ hitman has scored in three out of the five ties with Henderson’s header against Premiership side Ross County setting up Saturday’s Quarter Final clash at another top flight team in the shape of Aberdeen.

In what is arguably one of the biggest profile games in the Club’s history, the bookies may have the high-flying Dons odds-on to head to Hampden for the Semi-Finals however the talismanic striker is relishing the opportunity to take the game to the Reds.

“What’s crucial is that we make a good showing of ourselves again.  Perhaps realistically, I don’t think we could go into it saying we’re hoping to win, but we’re keen to play well and hopefully we can do some of the things the gaffer talks about and one of those is score a meaningful goal and you just never know.

“But I think first and foremost we’ve just got to go there and enjoy it.  Our fans and our families getting to go along can all enjoy the moment too.”

The travelling Spartan Army head to Pittodrie having seen their side already put in winning performances over Championship side Livingston along with a 0-5 win on the road against SPFL 1 outfit Cove Rangers in the group stages of the tournament.

Henderson added, “Saturday is very much a reward for everyone at the club.  The players, the staff, the board and everyone else connected with it too.  The fans have backed us throughout and across some big games over the last couple of seasons and this is another, with hopefully more in the future. It’s definitely one that everyone can go and enjoy and hopefully we can do ourselves proud.”

Last season’s Scottish Cup game saw Henderson and Co run Hearts close in a pulsating encounter at home, a performance that the side can draw inspiration from.

“I think you’ve got to take confidence from wherever you can for games like this, but its not at Ainslie Park which will be a big factor as well.  It makes it more difficult for us going there rather than having it at home but we’ll go into the game to go and enjoy it, to be as confident as we can be and just see what happens on the day.”

With 94 goals under his belt across his Spartans career, Henderson will be keen continue that tally as it heads towards an impressive treble figure.

“The last couple of games I’ve missed some chances which has been pretty frustrating on my part.  It’s not like me, I’ve been a bit wasteful but hopefully if I get a chance on Saturday then I can take it as we’re not going to get many.  That’s going to be my job on Saturday, so when that chance does come, we / me can take that opportunity and you just never know!

“Its going to be really difficult and its not going to be a game full of chances for us so we’ll need to be clinical when do we do get that chance.”