James Craigen takes his Spartans side to the City of Discovery this weekend as their Scottish Cup exploits gets underway on the road at Lowland League outfit Lochee United.
The newly installed Spartans gaffer is no stranger to making his mark in the tournament, with his sublime strike against Hearts in front of a packed home ground still one of the finest goals to have been scored in North Edinburgh in recent times.
Last season saw The Spartans reach Round 5 of the tournament for the second time, defeating East Kilbride, Bonnyrigg Rose and Inverness Caledonian Thistle along the way. That saw a trip, ironically, to Dundee and Tannadice to be exact, where Mark Stowe’s late goal offering the Tangerines a late scare in a narrow 1-2 loss.
Lochee’s journey this year began in dramatic fashion at home against Inverurie Loco Works. The Highland League side looked to be heading into the hat however three goals in eight minutes – including two penalties – saw the Dundonians deliver a deadly blow to the Locos.
Saturday sees the first meeting between the clubs in Senior football however they did meet previously back in 2011 in the East of Scotland Junior Cup.
An established Lochee side welcomed the relatively new kids on the Junior block and they were 2-0 up at home after an hour. With a minute left of the ninety, Sean Wringe looked to have scored a consolation effort however Chris Milligan’s 20 yarder in injury time took the tie to penalties!
Lewis Kidd who scored the winner as Spartans went through 7-8 to record their best win since they joined the Juniors a few seasons earlier.
15 years on and the Clubs lock horns this weekend in the Scottish Cup.
Admission prices for Saturday have been agreed at £10 for adults, £5 for concessions, and accompanied under 12s go free.
