The Spartans make the 140-mile trip to Inverurie, knowing that they face a tough task; their opponents Cove Rangers have only lost two matches in the League all season. It was a dramatic last day of the Lowland League season – a 0-0 draw against East Stirlingshire was enough for Spartans, as Stirling University shocked second place East Kilbride with a 2-0 win.

The Edinburgh side, who edged out last season’s Lowland League winners East Kilbride in the to top the table, have only lost three league fixtures this season. Having only conceded 17 goals this season, they will be up for the formidable challenge that Cove Rangers present.

Cove, who enjoyed a run to the Fifth Round of the William Hill Scottish Cup this season, finished 12 points ahead of their nearest rivals, Inverurie Loco Works and 14 ahead of Formartine United. Cove went unbeaten all season, until being crowned champions – they have experienced somewhat of a dip in form, by their standards, having lost two of their last three Highland League matches.

The Spartans will be looking to follow their fellow Captial side, Edinburgh City who, after winning the Highland v Lowland League play-off, won promotion to the SPFL with a 1-0 win over East Stirlingshire in 2016.

Last season saw East Kilbride emerge victorious over Buckie Thistle over the two legs of the play-offs.

The winner of the play-off will face Cowdenbeath in the Ladbrokes SPFL League 2 play-offs on Saturday, 5 May and Saturday, 12 May 2018.

Match information

First Leg Cove Rangers v The Spartans Saturday, 28 April 2018 3pm Harlaw Park, Inverurie

Second Leg The Spartans v Cove Rangers Tuesday, 1 May 2018 7.45pm Ainslie Park, Edinburgh

Tickets for this weekend’s match are available on the gate and are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.

Tickets for Tuesday’s second leg are also available on the gate; £10 for adults and £5 for Concessions.