The Spartans v Forfar Athletic – Match Preview

The ‘Loons’ make a quick return to William Hill League2 action on Tuesday evening when they play the first of two successive away midweek fixtures, The Spartans the opponents in the Capital City on this occasion.

Jim Weir and his squad will head into the fixture in good spirits following their thoroughly deserved 2-0 victory over Bonnyrigg Rose on Saturday past. The manager did not hide his delight in his after match comments following the first away success under his current stewardship and also the first clean sheet recorded since the cup tie win over Berwick in late October.

Jim was pleased in particular by the standard shown by a re-jigged back four following the late withdrawal of Marley Sweenie-Rowe through injury and the decision to restore Stuart Morrison to a midfield role, but in the main reflected in the aftermath on a solid overall team performance. Youngsters Sam Young, debutant Mackenzie Lemon and Reuben McAllister all played a significant part in the success, the latter providing the highlight of the day for the travelling support with a wonder strike for the opening goal.

It is now vitally important that the players build on the success in a hectic spell of four games in eleven days with only the Clyde fixture on Saturday first on home territory and this will be the message that will be emphasised to the squad from Jim and Gavin pre-match on Tuesday evening.

Marley, Josh Skelly and Russell McLean will all again miss out through injury, Rusty likely to return to training on Thursday evening, while latest recruit to the ranks the returning Danny Denholm cannot play against his parent club. Danny was another who was a vital cog for the side at New Dundas Park, Jim Weir delighted to get the vastly experienced left sided midfielder back on board for the run in to the end of the campaign.

Spartans go into Tuesday night’s clash on the back of an excellent 2-0 win away to Clyde on Saturday past, Hamish Ritchie and Ayrton Sonkur the marksmen on the day. Dougie Samuel’s outfit have already lowered the Athies colours on two occasions this season to date and are in fact due to return to the Alpha Projects Stadium @ Station Park a fortnight on Saturday.

A hard fought ninety minutes no doubt lie in store for the ‘Loons’ but hopefully some reward can be gleaned and momentum gained from the second trip in four days to the Lothian region.

Jordan Curran is the match referee.

Admission prices at Ainslie Park are are as follows;-
Adult - £17
Concession (over 65 & 16/18 year olds) - £12
13/15 year olds - £5
12 & Under – foc

Tickets can be purchased in advance online, see the Spartans official website for details.

Alternatively payment can be made by cash or credit card at the appropriate turnstiles on the day.

Kick-off is scheduled for 7.45pm.