Spartans (A) - Match Preview

By Peter Mackay

The Staggies return to League Cup action this weekend after two draws in the opening matches of the William Hill Premiership season. Don Cowie’s Ross County travel to the capital to take on League Two side The Spartans. The prize for the winner after the 3:00 PM kick-off at Ainslie Park is a place in the quarter-final of the Premier Sports Cup.

Ross County

We have made a very positive start to life under the permanent reign of County legend Don Cowie, including a stellar start to this league cup campaign.

In four matches, we maintained a 100% record, winning all matches and topping the table in the process.

That meant the reward for scoring ten and conceding just three against Raith Rovers, Hamilton, Stirling and Stranraer was this weekend's tie in which we were a seeded team coming out of the hat.

Following that, there were two draws for Don’s side. A 0-0 opening-day stalemate in Lanarkshire whilst last week new signing Ronan Hale continued to hit the ground running as he smashed home a last-minute equaliser versus Dundee United on matchday two to rescue a point.

Player to Watch

Since signing from EFL League Two champions Stockport County, Akil Wright has seamlessly slipped into the backline in Dingwall.

The Englishman has played in both a back four and five since arriving but has shown his strengths in both shapes.

In his second league match against Dundee United, Wright was immense at the back and his athleticism and power made him the perfect foe in stopping a fluid tangerine attack.

Spartans

This tie versus League Two outfit The Spartans lies very favourably for us Staggies, on paper at least, but make no mistake – the home team will be more than up to the task and have already flexed their upset muscles this season.

The Edinburgh-based club won three out of four matches and topped group E, beating Championship sides Dunfermline and Livingston to the top spot.

Not only did The Spartans blow away League One side Cove Rangers in a 5-0 drubbing, they went one step further and claimed an impressive one-nil victory over recently relegated Livingston.

If Don and his players needed proof that they will be in for a hard-fought game – then the above is exactly that.

Player to watch

Blair Henderson is the talisman within the Ainslie Park side. The big striker is well known for banging in the goals in the lower leagues of Scottish football and is still producing exactly that.

He has already notched two in the opening two matches of their league campaign.

Spartans may not see a lot of the ball on Saturday, but you can guarantee if they create chances, Blair Henderson will certainly be backed to stick the ball in the net of the Staggies.

Henderson scored 27 times last season and will be looking to continue that hot form when Premiership Ross County come knocking.

Previous Encounters

Saturday at 3:00 PM will be the first time that The Spartans and Ross County face each other.

Ticket Links

Match - https://t.co/cwsguOqwYx

Ross County Official Supporters Club Bus - https://t.co/eXKGBv4ocG