Can Brad bag his hat-trick and get on the park this time?
Brad Spencer is desperate to make it third-time lucky this afternoon as he eyes a hat-trick of SPFL Trust Trophy winner’s medals.
The Raith Rovers midfielder already has silverware from the club’s triumph over Queen of the South last year, and from the year before when the Stark’s Park side shared the Cup with Inverness Caley Thistle.
But he did not play a single minute in either success.
Twelve months ago, Spencer was an unused substitute as he came back from injury. The delayed 2019-20 Final was eventually called off because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, the 26-yearold is very much an integral part of Ian Murray’s Rovers side this time round, and is relishing playing a fuller part in the club’s latest bid for glory.
He said: “I have won this trophy twice but never actually played in a Final.
“In my first year, Covid stopped it and we shared it with Inverness, and last season I was on the bench.
“I was disappointed not to get on. I had been injured and was just coming back at the time, so John McGlynn stuck with the same team that had been playing.
“So I am hoping for third time lucky.
“I want to play well and make it three wins from three in this competition – that’s if the gaffer picks me. I hope he does because I just love to play games.
“Whether I play the full game, or a small part, I will give my best and hopefully bring the trophy back to Kirkcaldy.
“Every player dreams of playing in finals. Getting to any final is a great achievement, and one you look forward to.”
Spencer will be roared on by friends and family against Hamilton Accies, but admits he is only now learning to listen to the advice he gets from them.
Dad John knows a thing or two about the game after a career that took him from Rangers to Chelsea, QPR, Everton and Motherwell, as well as Scotland, before a spell as a player and coach in the United States.
Spencer added: “I think I have started to appreciate my dad’s advice the older I have got.
“When I was young, we used to have arguments about things – and my poor mum was stuck in the middle.
“He would moan at me. I wouldn’t take it well and get annoyed with him trying to give me advice. But that’s like any son and dad.
“But he loves me and wants me to do well, and that’s why he tries to give me advice.
“In the last few years, I have taken what he says on board, and in the last few years my career has been better.
“Dad played at the top level, and knows what it takes to get there. So I would be silly not to listen to him.
“His 1994 FA Cup runners-up medal is a great achievement, and I wouldn’t knock one of them, that’s for sure.
“I am hoping to show him another winner’s medal on Sunday night.”