The excitement that the Scottish Cup brings to all supporters will resonate with ‘Loons’ fans this weekend when, along with the other nine teams in the William Hill League2 they will be in the pot on Sunday when the draw for the second round proper of the competition once again sponsored by Scottish Gas this season is made.
Twenty ties at that stage of the tournament will take place over the weekend of 23rd/24th October, the thirty winners from this weekend’s first round fixtures also in the mix.
The first round proper in fact gets underway following on from three preliminary rounds on Friday evening with a mouth watering Ayrshie derby, Cumnock Juniors and Auchinleck Talbot of the Lowland League West meeting at Townhead Park in a clash that will be screened live on BBC’s online service also on the BBC I Player.
It is the second season running that these two ‘giants’ of the old Ayrshire junior scene, for many a year before their move into tier five of the senior game will have met at this stage of the competition.
The other eye-catching tie over the weekend takes place at the Prestonfield Stadium where last season’s Lowland League winners Linlithgow Rose entertain highly ambitious Clydebank who only last weekend triumphed 2-0 away to East Fife in the KDM Trophy and in fact currently lead the standings in that competition.
Three matches are also due to take place locally on Saturday afternoon.
Near neighbours Brechin City welcome Buckie Thistle to the Glebe, while fellow Lowland League side Lochee United play Inverurie Loco Works at Thomson Park. Completing the trio, Midland League outfit Tayport, who have already won a couple of preliminary round clashes, will have home advantage against Wick Academy at the Canniepairt.
Good luck to all three.
Back to the draw for the all important second round. Confirmation it will take place at Hampden Park on Sunday first at 5 p.m.
It will be beamed live on the Scottish Cup You Tube Channel as usual.
