Lowland League preview: Spartans face tough test at BSC Glasgow as Edinburgh Uni aim to build on last week's win

Dougie Samuel is hopeful his team can get a bit of luck when they face BSC Glasgow

The two-time Lowland League champions find themselves playing catch up on the sides above them after defeats to East Kilbride, Gala Fairydean Rovers and Stirling University has seen the Capital outfit slip to tenth in the standings.

Samuel’s men face another tough opponent in undefeated BSC at Alloa’s Indodrill Stadium tomorrow and the former Edinburgh University boss will once again be without key personnel for the trip to Clackmannanshire.

“Tomorrow will be another tough test on the road,” admitted Samuel, who saw his side win their opening two matches of the season. “It’s been a disjointed start in terms of team selection, which is down to players self-isolating, injuries, suspensions and some big decisions having gone against us.

“The team played well against East Kilbride last week but we lost the game in a ten-minute spell. Key players missing have really hurt us so far, however, in each of the losses encountered the games could have easily gone the other way.

“The league is tougher than ever, with fine margins being the difference in the majority of games. We’ll be missing Blair Atkinson, Ian McFarlane, Daniel Baur and Blair Carswell with possibly another having to self-isolate.”

Atkinson has bagged four goals in league and cup so far and will be a big miss for the Ainslie Park outfit.

Students seeking to build on maiden win

Meanwhile, Edinburgh University will be looking to build on their maiden victory of the campaign when they host Caledonian Braves at East Peffermill.

Dorian Ogunro’s students had lost their opening five prior to last weekend’s 1-0 success over Gretna 2008, David Maskrey coming up with the goods in stoppage time.

The two sides are both locked together on three points, although Braves have played a game fewer.

Rose at The Shire

Elsewhere, it’s fourth versus sixth at the Falkirk Stadium as East Stirlingshire welcome Bonnyrigg Rose up the M9.

Rose have fallen five points off the pace of league leaders East Kilbride after consecutive 1-1 draws with Stirling Uni and Cumbernauld Colts the past fortnight.

Defender Dean Brett is expected to play after his partner Leanne gave birth earlier this week to baby Arlo.

Civil Service Strollers return to action on Tuesday night when they are the visitors to Bonnyrigg’s New Dundas Park.