Spartans keep on trying For far reaches of Cup

Published on Friday 27 November 2009 08:41

SPARTANS joint manager Mike Lawson always maintains, prior to a Scottish Cup tie, that his team are "never going to win the Scottish Cup although we want to go as far as we can".

Spartans, who have gained notoriety for knocking out Highland League, Junior Super League and SFL clubs, are again in Active Nation Scottish Cup action tomorrow when Forfar Athletic, Third Division promotion hopefuls, become the first SFL side to play a competitive game at the Spartans Community Football Academy at Ainslie Park.

"We know when we enter the Scottish Cup that realistically we cannot win it," stressed Lawson. "We just want to gain respect and observers can see what a good side we are. If we put on a good show and get beat then it's not the end of the world.

"I don't want my players to be nervous because there is nothing to be anxious about. I want them to look forward to the game by pitting their wits against SFL opposition and then coming off the pitch completely shattered."

Spartans warmed up for tomorrow's third-round game with a narrow 2-1 victory against Edinburgh City last weekend.

"The match was a great advert for East of Scotland League football with City having a real go at us," said Lawson. "The pace of the game was exactly what both teams wanted in advance of tomorrow with City playing Highland League side Keith at Meadowbank, also in the Scottish Cup.

"I don't think the pace of the game tomorrow will be much different from last Saturday – in fact, I think that it might be slower. I have been to watch Forfar and as you would expect from their manager, Dick Campbell, who has been in the game a long time, they are experienced and physical.

"I watched them play Annan Athletic and, as I know seven of the Annan players, it was good to gauge Forfar against these players."

Lawson and his fellow joint manager, Sam Lynch, may have plotted the downfall of several SFL sides in the past few years but Lawson stressed: "The element of surprise has now gone. When SFL teams now come to play us they are better prepared.

"Forfar are physically stronger than us and are going for promotion therefore we know it will be very difficult tomorrow. Having said that, I know that our players will rise to the occasion and we certainly have a chance."

Spartans striker Keith McLeod hopes to be fit while youngster Chris Smith is likely to feature as one of the under-21 players along with Gavin Malin.

The action kicks off at 3.00pm with admission prices set at adults 8 and concessions 4 with an extra 2 for admission to the grandstand.