League Cup clash a must win for Spartans and Leith

Sam LYNCH, the Spartans co-manager, was an interested spectator at last night’s Craigroyston against Easthouses Lily League Cup tie as his side are in the same mini-league section and tonight they face Leith Athletic at Marine Drive, kick-off 7pm.

Spartans and Leith both must win their remaining games and hope that either Easthouses or Craigroyston slip up in their forthcoming games. Spartans lost to Easthouses at the weekend and Lynch said: “All credit to Easthouses who worked very hard and showed great commitment and enthusiasm.

“Now we turn our attention to this historic first-ever meeting between Leith Athletic and Spartans. We have to get back to winning ways so this game is really a win or bust scenario.”

Spartans have central defender Alasdair MacKinnon available after his head knock the previous week. Leith’s game was postponed against Vale of Leithen at the weekend and manager Derek Riddel reports no new injury concerns.

Whitehill Welfare are three points ahead of tonight’s visitors to Rosewell, Preston Athletic. Welfare manager Rab Paget said: “A win would set us up nicely to help us to qualify from the group.”

Paget has no selection problems and Patty Bonthrone looks set to start in midfield.

Elsewhere, Edinburgh City and Edinburgh University clash with both clubs looking for a win to keep them in contention. City have won all three of their opening games and conceded only one goal while striker Robbie Ross notched a hat-trick at the weekend. The students are short of numbers although head coach Douglas Samuel has the nucleus of a good young squad.

Lothian Thistle entertain Tynecastle, while Gala Fairydean face Eyemouth United.