Match Preview
Match day 8 sees the Rose back on the road this week, albeit with not too far to travel as they head to the Capital to face The Spartans at Ainslie Park. Despite sharing the same league for three seasons in the SLFL the two sides only met each other five times (four league games and one cup match) and four out of those five were played at this weekends’ venue as two of those three seasons were curtailed due to COVID. Rose have been unbeaten in the five games played to date, with four wins at Ainslie Park and the encounter at NDP ending in a draw.
The SPFL’s newest addition have settled in well to life in their new surroundings and currently sit in 6th place, but just one point behind, 3rd place Rose. Four of their seven league games to date have ended with honours even, including their last two league outings vs Forfar and East Fife. Their only league defeat due to an injury time winner by James Berry vs Stenhousemuir came hot off the heels of their first awards in Professional League Football, with ex Rose player Dougie Samuel picking up the cinch League 2 manager of the month award for August and midfielder Jamie Dishington picking up the player of the month. The curse of the MOTM award cannot be confirmed or denied.
The Rose will be looking to get back to winning ways after a narrow defeat by the aforementioned Warriors last weekend, with the difference between the two sides being an Edin Lynch header just after the hour mark coming off the back of a hotly contested corner award, maintain their 100% record at NDP. The manager has been working around the clock to make personnel changes within the squad as he looks to strengthen his options in the forward positions as the loan deadline window looms. New loan signings Taylor Sutherland (Dunfermline) and Liam Buchanan (Berwick Rangers) will be available for the game this weekend.
A big crowd is expected given the proximity between the two clubs and with them facing off for the first time in the SPFL so supporters are encouraged to arrive early. Parking at the ground is unlikely but limited on street parking is available, with the adjacent Morrisons’ supermarket being the best bet for those travelling by car. Four turnstiles will be open at the Pilton Drive end that will accommodate cash, card and tickets bought online for both sets of supporters. There will be “soft” segregation in place, with Rose fans accommodated in the North Section of the main stand (c90 seats) and the North end of the ground on the grass banking behind the goals. Admission is £15 adults, £10 concessions, £5 15 – 18 yr olds and under 14s free. PATG is available and tickets are also online here. The full Ainslie Park guide can be found here.
Daniel Graves is the man in the middle for the fixture and he will be assisted by Ross Anderson and Euan Birch.
Come on the Rose!
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