Shotts Bon Accord take a break from their promotion push as they bid to progress in domestic cups.

Feb 25 2010 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

SHOTTS Bon Accord will put their promotion push on hold as they bid to progress in domestic cups over the next two weekends.

It is a crucial cup spell for the Lanarkshire side.

On Saturday they make a second attempt to play their Emirates Scottish Cup fifth round tie at Hill of Beath Hawthorns.

Then it is back on home territory for Shotts for the visit of Super First Division side Dalry in the New Coin Automatics West of Scotland Cup second round.

After Saturday’s fixtures wipe out Shotts managed a brief training session at Hannah Park and on Tuesday evening played a bounce game against Alloa Athletic on their artificial surface yo give the players some much-needed match practice against a senior outfit.

Shotts manager Tony McInally said: “Saturday’s session was limited but useful, but the game at Alloa on Tuesday night allowed me to give most of the players a run-out – some for 90 minutes, others for varying times – to help build up their match-fitness”

The lay-off, though, has one bonus for Shotts and two influential players are set to return as McInally explained:

“The extra week of treatment and training means midfielder Gary McStay and striker Kevin Barr will make the squad this week.

“They’re two quality players who, between them, provide a bite in midfield and a goal threat up front.”

Hawthorns go into the game on the back of an impressive run that sees them lying fifth in the East Region Super Premier League with just one defeat from seven starts.

Those two cup clashes will come too soon for left-back Iain Wallace, who expects to resume full training on Monday.

However, he will provide a boost for the squad when league action resumes next month.