Spartans ready for Border raid in cup final at Berwick

Published on Monday 18 April 2011 13:31

Spartans travel across the English Border tonight to meet SFL Third Division side Berwick Rangers in the final of the East of Scotland (City) Cup at Shielfield Park, kick-off 7.30pm.

Spartans, as winners of the Image Printers East of Scotland Qualifying Cup, earned their place in the final while Berwick Rangers automatically qualified as the only SFL club who are members of the East of Scotland Football Association.

Berwick have lifted the trophy for the past three seasons and Spartans are determined to have their name engraved on the silverware for the first time since season 2006/2007.

Spartans warmed up for tonight's final with a narrow 2-1 victory against Edinburgh University on Saturday with joint manager Mike Lawson saying: "The University were easily the better side in the first half and we were lucky to reach the break at 0-0.

"We defended well but we did not retain possession well enough. We definitely got better in the second half and there were three really good goals in what was a very even and good competitive game."

Turning his attention to tonight's final, Lawson added: "Big games just keep coming along and we have not really had a lot of time to think about Berwick Rangers.

"It's been very hectic for us with league deciders, semi- finals and finals so this game has sort of sprung up on us.

"We are going to an SFL ground and that alone should lift our players.

"To a degree the pressure is off us and we are looking forward to going into a game where we do not have the mantle of being favourites."

Spartans have Keith McLeod suspended, Omar Kader unavailable and Alex King injured for the rest of the season, although Donal Henretty and David Etale both come back into contention.

Berwick Rangers manager Jimmy Crease is likely to field his strongest side, one which is still challenging for a play-off spot in the Third Division.