The Spartans welcome Bonnyrigg Rose to Ainslie Park in the Lowland League’s top of the table clash on Saturday, 2pm ko.

Dougie Samuel notes the encounter is arguably the toughest test in the Lowland League right now however its one everyone in the home sheds is looking forward.

Boosted by his side’s late win over Celtic B on Wednesday night, Samuel’s Spartans go into the game in good sprits with positive performances from many including teenager Finn Robson who made his starting debut in Airdrie against the young Hoops.

Missing out from the squad selection though are long-term treatment table trio Michael Herd, Scott Maxwell and Blair Carswell whilst Blair Atkinson remains unavaiable.

Due to the International game at Hampden, both sides have agreed to a 2pm kick-off to allow supporters to find their way to a suitable venue to watch the tea-time clash.

With news that the Scottish Government have updated their ‘Red Zone’ Match Day Covid protocol, we are delighted to re-open our café/bar for this Saturday’s game against Bonnyrigg Rose. 

Given the large crowd expected for the game the café/bar will be open to Spartans season ticket holders only, as well as the Bonnyrigg Rose and Spartans committees. 

The café bar will be open pre-match from 12.45 and at half time and full time for our full range of drinks and pies/snacks.  As a thank you, the first 30 customers in the bar will receive a free drink from the club. 

Please do remember to wear a mask on entry and whilst moving around, and give your contact details – but you can of course remove you mask when sitting down having your pint!   

Haven’t got your season ticket yet? We are offering half-price half-season passes for sale. Pick up yours at the gate on Saturday and join us ‘up the stairs’.

With news that the Scottish Government have updated their ‘Red Zone’ Match Day Covid protocol, we are delighted to re-open our café/bar for this Saturday’s game against Bonnyrigg Rose. 

Given the large crowd expected for the game the café/bar will be open to Spartans season ticket holders only, as well as the Bonnyrigg Rose and Spartans committees. 

The café bar will be open pre-match from 12.45 and at half time and full time for our full range of drinks and pies/snacks.  As a thank you, the first 30 customers in the bar will receive a free drink from the club. 

Please do remember to wear a mask on entry and whilst moving around, and give your contact details – but you can of course remove you mask when sitting down having your pint!   

Haven’t got your season ticket yet? We are offering half-price half-season passes for sale. Pick up yours at the gate on Saturday and join us ‘up the stairs’.

The Spartans have signed midfielder Finn Robson on a short term loan from Dundee United until January 2022.

Robson moved up through Tangerine’s pathway system having joined the junior Arabs in 2013.  He made is 1^st Team debut in July when he came on as a second half substitute in his side’s 6-1 Premier Sports Cup win over Elgin City at Tannadice.

The 18 year old was part of the Scottish FA Performance School at St Johns High and had been selected for National Performance School squads that came up against Manchester United among many other teams.

The United website describes Finn as “an intelligent, technically strong midfielder who loves to dictate play from middle to front.”

Finn is the fifth Dundee United player to join Spartans on loan in recent years.  Jake Davidson (*that* goal v East Stirling) was followed by Archie Meekison (hat-trick kid) and this season we have welcomed pacey Lennon Walker and most recently goalie, Jack Newman.

Welcome to Ainslie Park, Finn.

The Spartans can confirm that Club Captain Michael Bolochoweckyj has decided to bring the curtain down on what has been described by the Gaffer as ‘an illustrious career’.

At 37, it has been a great innings for ‘Bolo’ who would like to focus his time and energies going forward on his loved ones – and rightly so.

The talismanic defender made 47 appearances and netted twice during a Covid interrupted two seasons at Ainslie Park.

Speaking of the outgoing skipper, Dougie Samuel said, “I’m glad I did finally get the chance to work with him before he hung up his boots.  In short, he’s been a great influence to have around the place, hugely supportive of me as a Manager and always on hand to share his thoughts, insights and encouragement.

“My only regret is that we only got to work together at the end of his career for a relatively short time.  I’d like to thank him for all his efforts over the past couple of seasons and look forward to seeing him around the Academy over the coming months and years.”

The Spartans maintained their unbeaten Lowland League record against Berwick Rangers as Blair Henderson and Cammy Russell netted in a 2-1 win that sees the side move to a three place joint second spot in the table.

Early exchanges saw both teams made some mileage up the pitch with Cammy Russell, the recent signing from Kelty Hearts, making a decent run towards goal whilst Mikey Allan was in determined form at the other end to protect his.

Russell was involved once again when he chased the ball into the Berwick box, only for keeper Andrew McNeil come out and collect. In the challenge, Russell took a knock to the face and he might have a visit from the tooth fairy in due course.

A great piece of individual skill from Sam Jones saw the playmaker gain ground and as the ball broke to him inside the box, the finish perhaps not matching the work he put in to set up a chance that went wide.

Jack Newman had been a relative by-stander for most of the half but the keeper needed to be alert to spread himself to make an important save with his legs to deny a Berwick opener.

HT: The Spartans 0-0 Berwick Rangers

Berwick Rangers were out of the sheds early from the interval however it was Dougie Samuel’s sides who were out of the traps first when they took the lead just four minutes after the break.

Jamie Dishington’s cross from out wide was sent in with pin-point precision to find Blair Henderson who swooped to head home from close range.

Spartans were to double their lead on the hour mark and in some style. A bye-kick from the Berwick keeper was returned with interest and a nudge from Blair Henderson turned the scorer into provider for Cammy Russell who still had lots to do but his first touch with the head put him into the box and the sweetest of half-volley strikes nestled into the back of the net.

Spartans made a change on the 78th minute when Russell was replaced by Sam Newman. Moments later, the visitors halved the deficit to make for an interesting finale.

With the game entering into the final five minutes, Spartans shored up the back division with Dan Baur replacing Gregor Woods.

There was to be one final nervy moment for the Spartan Army faithful within the 219 in attendance as Lewis Baker forced Jack Newman into a save.

FT: The Spartans 2-1 Berwick Rangers

Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Ian McFarland