The Spartans welcome Civil Service Strollers to Ainslie Park as their first footers as the New Year kicks-off with the North Edinburgh Derby.

After back to back victories on the road, Dougie Samuel’s side return to home base looking to open 2022 with a win in front of what promises to be a bumper* crowd inside the Pilton arena. (* subject of course to Scottish Government restrictions of 500 supporters).

The encounter sees third place Spartans take on 5th spot Strollers, with just four points separating the sides and there being nothing to pick between the sides when it comes to goal difference. It sets up one of the most eagerly awaited ‘Trainspotting Derbies’ in some years.

Last time out, it was Spartans who earned the bragging rights with a narrow victory at Christie Gillies Park winning by the odd goal in three that saw the latest in the series of four reds distributed during the derbies across the nine games so far.

Spartans and Strollers have of course been long term friends and foes on and off the football field stretching back to the 1951 season when Spartans joined the East of Scotland League. The Muirhouse outfit had joined the competition in 1947-48, making a steady improvement before finding themselves rooted to the foot of the table in the 51/52 campaign that saw Spartans finish their inaugural season in 9th position in the sixteen team tournament that stretched over 30 games.

A review of the tables from yesteryear sees the two clubs fairly evenly matched in the less favourable half of the table over almost two decades before Spartans lifted their first East of Scotland title in 1971/72. Unsurprisingly, it was Strollers who went on to do the same the following year.

Spartans were to go on win the East of Scotland title on no fewer than eight further occasions before joining the Lowland League in 2013. Strollers then followed by entered the league in 2016.

This is the tenth league meeting of the clubs since then with some dramatic derbies along the way. We anticipate Tuesday’s clash will be no different.

Tickets for the game can be purchased in advance via Fanbase priced at £8 adults / £4 concessions.

Match Programmes can be purchased at the gate or via our online shop.

It’s a fixture with a connection like few others in the non-league calendar as The Spartans make the short trip across the capital to take on Edinburgh University on Tuesday (28th December) in the final fixture of 2021.

Dougie Samuel takes his Spartans side to Peffermill where they will look to bring the curtain down on 2021 with a win and continue their unbeaten Lowland League run against the Students.

The Spartans and Edinburgh University of course share a wonderful history which saw the birth of the Ainslie Park side back in 1951 – an offshoot of the Student club.

The Spartans were established by two former Edinburgh University players, Elliot Wardlaw and Jimmy Beaumont (University Captain in 1948/49), in the summer of 1951 and immediately joined the East of Scotland League. Ronnie Swan, aka ‘Mr Spartans’, was also to become EUAFC Captain in 1952/53.

The club was originally formed for former university and college footballers but the constitution now allows “other interested parties” to join.

There have been a plethora of players who have turned out for both teams over the decades, ranging from Jimmy Dunnett to Dan Gerrard and Ally MacKinnon to name but a few.

Edinburgh University & Spartans Football Clubs used to share a ground called Canal Field (now Meggetland) prior to the mid-1970’s when the Students moved to Peffermill & Spartans headed to the North of the city and to City Park.

Of course, there’s perhaps no-one more familiar with the surroundings of Peffermill than the Gaffer himself, Dougie Samuel. Sammy was in charge of the Students for some nine years before joining The Spartans in June 2012, making him the longest serving Manager in the competition, with Dorian Ogunro next in line, taking over the University reigns in 2013.

Despite the recent Scottish Government Covid restrictions put in play that limits attendances to 500, we’re sure that everyone who wishes to attend will be accommodated safely at Peffermill.

Kick-off is 7.45pm. Admission £6 / £4. There will be limited parking and sadly no catering.

The Spartans will welcome Sygenta FC to Ainslie Park in the South Challenge Cup 4th Round after tonight’s draw made from the comfort & heat of East of Scotland’s Fixture Secretary Kenny McLean’s sitting room and live stream chat from the Official Catch Cup team.

Sygenta play in East of Scotland Conference C where they currently sit in 3rd place behind league leaders Whitburn however they do have three matches in hand with only a three point gap to close.

The visitors, who ground share with Stenhousemuir at Ochilview, have experienced ex-East Stirling player Andy Rodgers within their ranks.

The tie will be played on Saturday 5th February, 2022.

How we got here:

Round 2: Easthouses Lily 1-4 The Spartans | Round 3: Haddington Athletic 0-2 The Spartans

It’s Friday night under the Broadwood lights for The Spartans as they head west to take on Cumbernauld Colts in the final Lowland League fixture before Santa comes.

The gaffer will be looking for Good Tidings of Comfort and Joy in the shape of three points and extend the eight match unbeaten run against the hosts.

With Finn Robson and Mikey Allan on the treatment table – God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen – Dougie Samuel will look to the depth and strength of his squad to wrap up the win and make it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

Who will have a Wonderful Christmas Time and the Blue Christmas? O Come, All Ye Faithful to Broadwood Stadium on Friday night and find out. 7.45pm ko. Admission £8 / £4 and tickets can be bought in advance here