MATCH PREVIEW: Brechin City v Forfar Athletic - William Hill Scottish Cup

The ‘Loons’ will go into battle with their nearest neighbours on Saturday at Glebe Park, the prize for the winner a coveted spot in the last sixteen of the national tournament.

If Dick Campbell’s side could progress through what will obviously be a tricky tie they would in fact reach that stage of the competition for the second season running.

Saturday’s tie will be the first cup tie between the clubs since December of 2000 when City triumphed in the Scottish at Glebe Park in monsoon conditions to the tune of 3-0.

So far this term it has been honours even between the sides, Ray McKinnon’s charges deservedly winning the opening league joust in August on their own patch by two goals to one.

Just three weeks back it was the Station Park men who came out on top on home ‘soil’ winning 2-0, their second half performance in particular even more convincing than the score line suggests.

Dick Campbell will be forced to make at least one change from the side which triumphed 2-0 over East Fife last Saturday, with Aberdeen refusing permission for on loan Craig Storie to feature in the cup.

The manager ran the eye over a few potential replacements in a hard fought 3-1 midweek friendly win over Broughty Athletic.

Dick will also have to decide whether Rab Douglas or Darren Hill who played on Tuesday evening returns to the starting line up between the sticks.

Both clubs are hoping that their fans will turn out in numbers for what should all going well be a cracking ninety minutes, with hopefully the potential for a few neutrals into the bargain as it is the only senior game on the day in Angus.

Admission prices are £12 for adults, £6 concessions with Brechin also operating a parent and child gate at £15.

The match will be refereed by Lanarkshire based John McKendrick who last took charge of a Forfar fixture when Rangers visited Station Park in September.