Reinstated Spartans to host Linfield after Rovers thrown out

Chairman Craig Graham has expressed Spartans’ excitement after they were reinstated to the Irn-Bru Cup to face Linfield following the SPFL’s decision to throw Albion Rovers out of the competition for a breach of regulations.

At a disciplinary hearing yesterday, it was found that Rovers’ Liam McGuigan had not been registered and should not have played in the first round match between the clubs on August 15.

The midfielder was a second-half substitute in the tie, which Albion won on penalties after a goalless draw.

The League One outfit pleaded guilty to the mistake and it was ruled the result should be annulled and a 3-0 victory awarded to Spartans. Rovers were also fined £2,000.

Graham has stressed Spartans’ sympathy for Albion, with his own club having been thrown out of the Scottish Cup six years ago when a paperwork error rendered striker Keith McLeod ineligible.

He said: “It is really exciting for everyone connected with Spartans, for the players, the coaches, the supporters and the people of the community of north Edinburgh.

“We’ve got a lot of planning to do over the next nine days but it should be a gala occasion against a club with such a heritage and history.

“Linfield are expecting to bring at least 500 supporters over for the game and it will be brilliant for the players.”