Title-chasing Spartans target a Welfare package

Published on Tuesday 21 April 2009 10:22

SPARTANS hope to put their Premier Division title chase back on track tonight when they meet champions Whitehill Welfare at City Park, kick-off 6.45pm.

Spartans were beaten 4-2 by Lothian Thistle on Saturday and now trail leaders Dalbeattie Star by four points although they do have three games in hand on Star who defeated Edinburgh City 3-1 at the weekend.

In their earlier meeting Spartans beat Whitehill 3-1, however Spartans co-manager Mike Lawson is reading nothing into that result, saying: "Basically, we have six cup finals left and every team in the league is out to beat us. Whitehill have had problems with injuries and suspensions this season but on their day they are capable of beating any team in the Premier Division.

"We have to work on the positive aspects of our defeat from Lothian Thistle. We have to keep our faith, believe in ourselves and keep going forward. We will certainly be taking the game to Whitehill."

Spartans will be without central defender Dan Gerrard and midfielder Alex King is suspended while captain Stewart Fowlie is nursing an ear infection.

Whitehill have failed to score in their last two games losing 5-0 to Edinburgh City and drawing 0-0 with Coldstream, defeats which have almost certainly killed off any hopes of retaining the championship flag. However, striker Kevin Haynes has now completed his seven-match suspension and midfield playmaker Andrew Kidd is also available tonight after missing out at the weekend.

Gary Aitchison, the Whitehill boss, said: "The boys will lift themselves for tonight and we will do a roll call to see who is fit as Ross Johnston, Darren Pryde and Alan McDonagh are all likely to miss out and Jack Lynch and Steven Campbell face late fitness tests."

Also tonight, Edinburgh University have the opportunity to make up ground on their visitors to Peffermill, Preston Athletic, who themselves are eyeing up a top-three finish. Scott Fusco returns for the students while Preston, with the exception of Sean McAuley, have a full squad available.