SPARTANS joint managers Mike Lawson and Sam Lynch have been meticulous in their preparations for tomorrow's Homecoming Scottish Cup fourth-round tie against Airdrie United by watching them on three separate occasions both at home and away.
"We have been pleasantly surprised by the high standard of football played in the Scottish First Division," said Lawson. "In the previous rounds we have met Pollok, who are a top Juniors side, as well as Annan and Elgin from the Third Division. Howe
ver, the First Division teams have really impressed us. Their technique, athleticism and pace are all much better than I initially thought would be the case. This is the first time I have really watched games at this level since I was manager of Meadowbank Thistle.
"Out of the three games in which we have watched Airdrie they have played very well for two-and-a-half games – their second half display against ten-man Clyde was their worst performance. Airdrie like to play the ball on the deck and pass it about and that's different from what we have encountered in our previous rounds.
"If both teams try to play football Airdrie could outplay us so we have to come up with a game plan to nullify their strengths. We need to play especially well with the ball in front of us. I would imagine that we will have less of the ball than we normally have and Airdrie will play further up the park. Hopefully we can then catch them on the counter attack.
"We will not be negative because this is a great occasion for us. It is the month of January and Spartans are still in the Scottish Cup about to play against a full-time club. We are all going to Airdrie with smiles on our faces and we will compete for as long as we can.
"Like Blyth Spartans against Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup earlier in the week, the non-league side is always going to get one or two chances and we have to ensure that we take them. Spartans have never scored against an SPL or First Division side so if we could get a goal then we would be delighted. We are just looking forward to the game and there will be a great atmosphere with probably about 400 Spartans supporters in the stadium.
"We will need a lot of luck and if we can live with Airdrie for as long as possible then who knows?
"The Spartans players know that this is their chance of glory on the big stage."
Spartans have slight fitness doubts surrounding defender and captain Stewart Fowlie, along with left-sided midfield player Donal Henretty and striker Keith McLeod, although all are expected to play.
