EDINBURGH City and Spartans, both unsuccessful applicants for the SFL vacancy filled by Annan Athletic, have two appetising pre-season friendlies against SFL Second Division opposition tomorrow.
Edinburgh City play host to Arbroath at Meadowbank Stadium, kick-off 3pm, while Spartans travel across the Forth Bridge to meet East Fife at New Bayview, kick-off 2pm.
Shaun Steven, the City boss, is without a host of first-team regulars for the f
riendly and admitted that it will be a tough challenge against the Red Lichties.
"Unfortunately, the game coincides with the T in the Park concert and we have a few players who have had tickets for this event for several months," said Steven. "It has probably come just a bit too early for us, but it also gives some of the new signings and trialists a chance to show what they can do." Steven has been busy in the transfer market and has added John Niven, a midfield player, and central defender Michael Watson, both from Craigroyston, while Michael Bruce, released by East Fife, and former Penicuik Juniors midfielder, Daniel Munro, have also signed.
Spartans warmed up for their game against East Fife with a 3-1 win last night against a Falkirk under-19 side. Struan Preston scored from an Alex King cross before Robbie Manson, a new signing from Berwick Rangers, hit in an unstoppable 25-yard shot. Nicky Walker, another new recruit from Brechin City, netted from the penalty spot after he himself had been brought down.
"We will freshen things up against East Fife because of some player unavailability," said Spartans joint-manager Mike Lawson. "We know that it will be a very difficult game against East Fife, who were Third Division champions last season."
The full article contains 301 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
