Spartans to face Linfield after Albion 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 15 August. The midfielder was a second-half substitute in the tie, which Albion won on penalties after a goalless draw.

The League 1 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. However, the Lowland League club

0 Craig Graham: ‘Exciting’ are now preparing for one of the most high-profile games in their history next Saturday.

Graham said: “Firstly, having been in a similar situation ourselves previously, we have sympathy for Albion Rovers, especiallyafterthedrawthrew up one of the most glamorous ones for the next round. But, from our own point of view, 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.

“Linfield are expecting to bring at least 500 supporters over for the game and it will be brilliant for the players to come up against a team that only five weeks ago was facing Celtic in the Champions League.”