Four county clubs are sent west for tough ties as they bid for trophy success in ‘the Scottish’

Oct 30 2008

FOUR county clubs face lengthy trips this weekend as they bid to earn a place in the Citylink Scottish Junior Cup third round.

Furthest travelled are Super Premier League side Bellshill Athletic, who head for Aberdeen to take on Glentaner, currently lying sixth in the North First Division with two wins, a draw and a defeat from four games.

Glentaner’s game was off on Saturday but they crashed 5-0 to Arbroath Vics in the Inter-Regional Cup the previous weekend.

Bellshill boss Tam McDonald admits he doesn’t know a lot about his opponents, but places greater emphasis on his own squad, saying: “It’s up to us what we do on the day.”

McDonald has no injury concerns, but has transfer-listed former Carluke and Shotts striker Chris Mackie.

Shotts Bon Accord take on their second cup tie in five days when they head for Perthshire to face Kinnoull, who are lying sixth in the East Region Premier League, with two wins and two draws from five games.

Attacking left-back Ian Wallace had several clips put in a forehead wound sustained in Monday’s Sectional League Cup Final defeat by Arthurlie, and striker John Osborne has a groin strain. Both players are almost certainly out of the running for a starting berth.

Manager Duncan Sinclair said: “Kinnoull are a very good team who are doing well in their league.

“It will be difficult but we’ll have the boys in during midweek to talk about some things that didn’t go right on Monday night, and to tell them what we expect from them on Saturday.”

Lesmahagow will include new signing Ross McGeachie, an ex-Accies striker who has been Fauldhouse United’s top scorer for the past two seasons, for their tie at Montrose Roselea.

Assistant manager Robert Irving said: “We heard Ross had become available and he seemed interested when we contacted him.

“A lot of money is involved for a club our size, but the committee have really pushed the boat out to land him.

“The deal went through after training on Monday night and Ross will go straight into the squad for Saturday.

“The manager Sandy Robertson and myself appreciate the committee’s support, and we’re delighted to have a proven goal-scorer to call on.”

Roselea are unbeaten after five games in the North First Division, with three cup wins also under their belts.

Newmains United are away to East Premier League side Penicuik Athletic.