The Spartans kick off their SPFL2 campaign on the road against East Kilbride, with Douglas Samuel’s side looking to get off to winning ways against familiar foes from the Lowland League.
With six Lowland League titles shared between them, both clubs paved their way into the professional leagues via the Pyramid system and on Saturday, they go head to head once again as the 2025-26 season begins.
Speaking ahead of the fixture at K-Park, Spartans midfielder James Craigen said, “It’s been a really positive pre-season, even before a ball was kicked the lads came back in good condition. Albeit it didn’t work out results wise against Falkirk we took the league cup to the final day.
“You want to be tested in pre-season and we really have so I’ve no doubt that will stand us in good stead for the league campaign.”
The sides have shared some exciting encounters across the last decade or so in both league and various cup competitions. Whilst this will be Craigen’s inaugural outing against the SPFL 2 newcomers, he’s well aware of what his side can expect come 3pm.
“Whilst I personally haven’t played EK before, from the footage I’ve seen, they are a very talented side. They’ll be riding the promotion wave and will be desperate to get off to a good start on Saturday. They’re very structured in attack and defense and that is something we’re going to have to deal with.”
The Spartans have had a decent pre-season campaign in order to get themselves in shape for this early awaited opener. For Craigen, victory on the opening day will certainly get the season off to an ideal start.
“We felt last season we were playing catch up in the league after a below par first quarter. Starting well is something that the group have spoken about and is certainly a goal of ours.
“It’s going to be a tough test Saturday as mentioned EK are a good side and are the favourites for the league. We will go there with our game plan, this group has played in lots of big games over the last couple of years and have coped well. It’s a great fixture to start the campaign off for both clubs.”
Kick-off at K-Park is at 3.00pm.
Away tickets can be purchased online via the East Kilbride Fanbase page.
There will be NO cash turnstile option.
