Match Preview

Following on from our excellent performance and result at East Fife last week, we welcome The Spartans FC to New Dundas Park for our final league fixture of 2023, in which is only our second home game in the last 6 weeks as we reach the halfway stage in the league campaign.

The Spartans FC have made a strong start in their first season in League 2 and have won their last 4 games in a row, including a credible Scottish Cup win against Championship Arbroath in the last round. Spartans have netted 10 in their last 4 games, with Blair Henderson leading from the front – a potent goal-scoring threat. He stands as a key player for Spartans, currently tied with Bonnyrigg's Neil Martyniuk in second place for league goals.

In the corresponding game at Ainslie Park in September, it ended in a 2-2 draw, despite the Rose taking a 2-0 lead at the start of the second half with goals from Ross Gray and a stunning free kick from 20 yards from Lee Currie. We were pegged back after The Spartans made 2 early second-half substitutions and changed their shape, resulting in goals from Reece Armstrong and Cameron Russell.

The Rose has an excellent record against Spartans and is unbeaten in the previous 5 contests between the clubs with 3 wins and 2 draws. Rose in fifth will be looking to close the gap to currently fourth-place Spartans, with the momentum of the win last week and with a near fully fit squad for the manager to choose from. Robbie Horn’s men looked energetic and confident during last week's match away to East Fife in Methil, with Kerr Young and Bradley Barrett putting in notable performances for Rose. Rose played with hunger and desire to get the three points, suggesting Rose to be in good form leading up to the Spartans game.

Admission for Saturday's fixture is PATG £14 Adults, £9 concessions, £5 under-16s and under-12s go free with a paying adult. For home support, card payments through the middle gate, cash only at all other gates. Cash and card payments available for away support through gate D (see our map for details) 50/50 draw tickets (£1 each) and match programmes (£2 each) will be available at all gates.

Full details and a map are available on our NDP Guide

Our club shop which is located opposite the main snack bar will be open before the game once gates open and also at half time.

Preview by Stephen Reid and Gregor Bruce