Accies face Lions in cup clash

Dec 15 2006

IN what was largely a disappointing Tennent’s Scottish Cup third-round draw, Hamilton Accies were paired with First Division rivals Livingston.

The match, which will take place at New Douglas Park on Saturday, January 6, isn’t exactly mouth-watering for the local fans as their side have already played the West Lothian outfit twice this season.

But Accies boss Billy Reid is enthusiastic and sees the draw as a chance for his side to embark on a cup run.

He said: “You’ve just got to play against whoever you’re drawn against, and it would have maybe been better to have got someone outwith our league, to play against somebody different, but that’s not to be and it’s John Robertson’s Livingston.

“Everybody is looking for a home tie against one of the bigger clubs to get money in, or to get a run in the cup — which we’re certainly hoping for.

“It’s a home tie, which is obviously better than travelling, and it’s one we can certainly win, but we’re under no illusions that it’s going to be a difficult game.

“Livingston are a decent side, who we recently drew with, but hopefully some of my players will be back to full fitness by the time the match is played.”

The full draw is:

Celtic v Dumbarton;

St Johnstone v Ayr Utd;

Ross County v Partick Thistle;

Dundee v Queen of the South;

Morton v Kilmarnock;

Aberdeen v Hibs;

Clyde v Gretna;

Stirling Albion v Inverness CT;

Airdrie Utd v Motherwell;

Dundee Utd v St Mirren;

Stranraer v Hearts;

HAMILTON ACCIES V LIVINGSTON;

Dunfermline v Rangers;

Berwick Rangers v Falkirk;

Deveronvale v Elgin City;

Cowdenbeath v Brechin City.