Lanarkshire junior clubs look ahead to cup fixtures

Nov 24 2011 Hamilton Advertiser

THE Emirates Scottish Junior Cup third round dominates Saturday’s county card with most of the local clubs in confident mood after recent results in cup and league.

One of the most intriguing ties is the all-county clash between Super First side Thorniewood United and Central First Division promotion hopes Larkhall Thistle.

Manager Kieran McGuinness said: “We’re on a good run, three games unbeaten, and have enjoyed a continuity about the side. I'm confident but I realise it will be a tough tie.

“I know their manager Duncan Sinclair well. I played under him at Kilsyth so maybe I've got a point to prove to my old teacher! I might have one or two surprises for Duncan!”

Larkhall boss Sinclair commented: “We're a good football side playing with confidence and I’m looking forward to tackling Kieran's side. I knew him as a player at Kilsyth and I like the way he thinks about the game and sets out his team.”

Shotts Bon Accord go into the home tie against Annbank United in high spirits on the back of a 7-0 away win over Ardrossan Winton Rovers.

Manager Tony McInally has injury doubts over Ryan Sullivan (hamstring) and Stefan McCluskey (leg knock) but is optimistic that the depth of his pool, which has netted 16 goals during November, will steer the side to victory.

Carluke Rovers, who are setting a blistering pace in the Central Second Division, are hoping to carry that impressive form into the home clash with Broughty Athletic, who are lying fourth in the East Region League.

Manager Colin Slater is hoping he will be able to call on experienced midfielder Craig Stark, who is nursing a tight hamstring, but, if not, there's an able alternative in Andy Barr to fill that midfield beat, just as he did on Saturday when he scored the third goal.

Lesmahagow clinched their third round place after three postponements with a convincing 5-1 over Banff side Whitehills.

Now they are on the road again – this time down the Ayrshire coast to tackle recent cup-winners Largs Thistle.

Lanark United could be without red-carded goalie Ross Hyslop for the long haul to Nairn St Ninian.

Manager Tam McDonald said: “I don't know too much about them but we've got to be as professional as we can, get the game won and back down the road on a happy bus. It's a long journey if we don't get a result!”

Blantyre Vics, who have fared better this past year in cup competitions than they have in league games, face a difficult task away to Kilwinning Rangers while Bellshill Athletic go in against a Greenock side that beat them 2-1 in Saturday's league fixture.