Juniors test for Spartans

Spartans, holders of the Ronnie Swan Trophy which they won last pre-season against Blyth Spartans, Raith Rovers and Hamilton Academical, begin their defence of the cup when they line up against top junior teams Musselburgh Athletic, Newtongrange Star and their own Spartans Juniors at Ainslie Park.

The tournament kicks off with Spartans Juniors meeting Musselburgh at 1pm followed by Spartans against Newtongrange at 3.30pm.

Mike Lawson, Spartans' joint manager, has added central defender Chris Townsley from Alloa Athletic to his squad along with former Edinburgh University midfield player Jack Beesley although defender Dan Gerrard has left to move to London.

"Chris is looking great while Jack is extremely fit and I am looking forward to seeing them both in action in Spartans jerseys," enthused Lawson. "Playing in this tournament is great preparation for the new season although I never read too much into the results of these games. Last year, we won the trophy and then in our first Premier Division game we were beaten 3-1 by Whitehill Welfare.

"We have another strong squad this season and already I am looking forward to the start of competitive action."

The winners of the two games tomorrow will contest the final on Sunday at 3.30pm while the third/fourth place play-off will kick off at 1pm.

Edinburgh City travelled to the Borders for a pre-season friendly last night and defeated Gala Fairydean 3-0 with goals from Ross Guthrie, Andy Howat and a trialist while Vale of Leithen beat Duns Amateurs 2-0 with Scott Moffat grabbing both goals.