Spartans netted four goals for the second time in four days and Blair Carswell earned back to back clean sheets as Dougie Samuel’s side’s second half show swept aside Gala at Netherdale.

With the forecast for monsoon conditions across Scotland, it was raining goals after the break as the Edinburgh side moved up to sixth spot in the Lowland League table.

Despite the breath catching muggy weather, both teams went at it full pelt from the off with the visitors having the better of the opening exchanges. 

It could well have been an early opener for Spartans but for a tremendous double save from Gala goalkeeper Dean Beveridge.  He palmed away a powerful Blair Henderson header and then recovered to deny Sam Newman before Calum Hall cleared from his own goal line.

Daryl Healy then called Blair Carswell into action despite appearing to be in an offside position however The Goalie ‘played to the whistle’ and pulled off a fine stop.

A Jamie Dishington was perhaps the pick of the chances in the opening quarter of an hour but he could only put his header over the bar.

It was fairly ebb and flow as the half progressed with both sides enjoying periods of possession however when it came to turning this into creating an advantage, the final finish was to be found wanting at either end. 

Dishington then turned provider for Blair Henderson who got in between the defender and keeper but headed narrowly wide as the first half came to a close.

Half time: Gala Fairydean Rovers 0-0 The Spartans

Seven minutes after the interval, Spartans broke the deadlock. 

A cross into the box was only half cleared by a Gala defender.  It fell to Michael Bolochowechyj who’s audacious overhead kick was blocked, only for the ball to land at the feet of Michael Allan who drilled it home.

Gala looked to respond immediately however from a well earned corner, a counter attack saw Spartans on the move.  Jamie Dishington launched the ball towards the box, a mix up between Lewis Grant and Dean Beveridge, who had progressed off his line, saw the ball evade the keeper and Sam Newman was on hand to send the spillage into the back of the net.

Blair Carswell denied Daryl Healy for the second time midway through the second half with a super save as he palmed the Gala striker’s header over the bar.

Jamie Dishington was provider once again as Spartans put further light between the sides in the 71st minute as he popped the ball into the box for Scott Maxwell who was lurking at the back post and his thumping strike saw the net bulge as he hammered home.

Despite being three goals down, Gala kept plugging away and it was a case of what should have been for Calum Hall who passed up a glorious chance to get on the scoresheet as the game entered its final ten minutes.

With just three minutes left on the clock, a sweeping Spartans move saw Aaron Murrell send a cross into the box for Scott Maxwell who knocked the ball back inside for Blair Henderson who sent a looping header over the outstretched aerobic frame of Beveridge into the top corner.

Full Time: Gala Fairydean Rovers 0-4 The Spartans

Photo Gallery | Brief highlights

The Spartans head to the Borders for a midweek clash against Gala Fairydean Rovers in what promises to be an interesting evening should the weather forecast ring true.

After a fine win over Edinburgh University, involving a clean sheet for Blair Carswell, Dougie Samuel’s side travel down the A7 looking to reverse last season’s result which was the stricken shot stopper leave the field with an injury that kept him out for the rest of the shorted season in a 3-1 defeat.

The iconic Netherdale arena offers a mixed bag of results for Spartans during the Lowland League battles between the sides, with the hosts claiming all three of their victories out of the fifteen meetings when entertaining the Ainslie Park tourists.

With only one draw between the sides, it promises to be an all-out for the win from both sides. Neither team have been shy in front of goal in previous encounters with 3 or more goals having been scored by one of the teams in no fewer than seven fixtures. So, naturally, expect a 0-0 tonight after that build up!

With the opening week of the 2021-22 campaign done and dusted, as far as cliches go, this is shaping up to be a real classic season with points being won and lost in the most dramatic and emphatic fashions. Three points on the road are vital. If you can make it down to Gala and cheer on the boys, please do so.

All spectators will be required to check in with Test & Protect* you can scan the QR code on the posters at the ground on entry or follow the link below to the venue https://www.checkin.scot/27253674J *designed to break community chains of transmission of COVID-19

The Spartans welcome old friends Edinburgh University to Ainslie Park for the fourteenth Lowland League meeting between the sides.

It’s a history however that goes back some 70 years, with The Spartans being established by two former Edinburgh University players, Elliot Wardlaw and Jimmy Beaumont, in the summer of 1951.

Since then, there have been many personnel who have been involved at both clubs, none more so than Manager Dougie Samuel who was in charge at Peffermill for 9 successful years before heading across the Capital back in June 2012.  

After a tough midweek opener against Rangers B, Spartans set their sights on an unbeaten league run against a University side managed by Dorian Ogunro, the second longest serving Lowland League gaffer behind Samuel.

Looking ahead to the game, Tuesday’s Malt and Hops Man of the Match Jamie Dishington knows just how important it is to capitalise on home advantage.

“Rangers were well organised on Tuesday night and pressed us, off the ball especially.  They were very good.  Looking ahead to Saturday, we just need to be on the front foot right from the first whistle and take the game to Uni, just like how Rangers done to us.

“Pre-season has been a bit stop-start for us due to a number of factors such as Covid etc along with some of the lads being at different fitness levels.  It was good last weekend against Chelmsford to see some goals being scored and we need to pick up from there and do the same against Uni, whilst keeping it tight at the back and get three points on the board.

“Especially early on in the season you want to be building momentum so it’s vital we get the win on Saturday and take it from there.

“Games against Uni are always tough affairs and they bring their ‘A’ game against Spartans.  They always up for it, so I think it’ll be a difficult game but hopefully we can come out on top.”

Tale of the tape:

Played 13 | Spartans wins 8 | Draws 5

Goals | Spartans 33 | Edinburgh Uni 12

As we continue to fall under the Scottish Govt guidance for restricted numbers at Ainslie Park, it is a vital way to allow us to ensure your safety and enhance Track and Trace. Please do purchase your match tickets via the Fanbase app if you can – or you can still pay at the gate if desired.

Alternatively, you can buy your tremendous value for money Season Ticket at the gate. They cost £100 (Adult) and £50 (Concession – 16-18, over 65 and students) with U16’s free.

They represent excellent value for money, they will give you access to all home league games, local cup competitions although not the Scottish Cup.

Electronic season tickets can be purchased via the Fanbase app by choosing Spartans as a club and then following the instructions and buying via the Store.  The feedback from fans so far is that it is simple and easy to use.

The waiting is over. The season begins. Spartans kick-off their Lowland League campaign when they welcome Rangers B to Ainslie Park on Tuesday night (7.45pm KO).

Boosted by their 5-1 victory over Chelmsford City on Saturday which saw them lift the Ronnie Swan Trophy in the summer sun, Dougie Samuel’s side go into the tie with renewed confidence.

With new signings Blair Henderson, Euan Smith and Kevin Waugh already featuring extensively during pre-season and returnees Jamie Dishington and Michael Herd back in business, the competition for places in the starting XI is perhaps a pleasant headache for the gaffer ahead of kick-off time.

The visitors got their solitary Lowland League season off to a winning start, defeating Bo’ness 2-0 at their Dumbarton base, with both goals coming in the second half.

As we continue to fall under the Scottish Govt guidance for restricted numbers at Ainslie Park, it is a vital way to allow us to ensure your safety and enhance Track and Trace. Please do purchase your match tickets via the Fanbase app – or alternatively, you can buy your tremendous value for money Season Ticket!

They cost £100 (Adult) and £50 (Concession – 16-18, over 65 and students) with U16’s free.

They represent excellent value for money, they will give you access to 17 home league games, local cup competitions plus all pre season fixtures although not the Scottish Cup. 

Electronic season tickets can be purchased via the Fanbase app by choosing Spartans as a club and then following the instructions and buying via the Store.  The feedback from fans so far is that it is simple and easy to use.