There were celebrations in the north of Edinburgh today as The Spartans clinched the Ferrari Packaging Lowland League title. The Ainslie Park side went into their final league fixture just a point ahead of rivals East Kilbride who were playing their final game at Stirling University. Dougie Samuel’s Spartans knew victory over East Stirlingshire would give them the title no matter what Kilby did.
However, it was a tense afternoon and, before a large crowd, The Spartans were held to a goalless draw by the Shire, who themselves made it 19 games in a row unbeaten. This meant a victory for East Kilbride would give them the title, but Stirling University produced a shock 2-0 victory meaning it was party time for The Spartans who were presented with the league trophy shortly after the final whistle.
The Spartans have ambitions to play in the SPFL. Having won the Lowland League, they will now face a two-legged play-off against Highland League champions Cove Rangers. The winners of that tie will then face another two-legged play-off against League Two basement side Cowdenbeath for a place in next season’s SPFL.
The Edinburgh Reporter offers its congratulations to The Spartans players, manager and officials in their Lowland League triumph.
Author of The Team for Me - 50 Years of Following Hearts. Runs Mind Generating Success, a successful therapy practice in Edinburgh. Contact me if you want rid of any unwanted habits. Twitter @Mike1874
