Published: Wednesday, 24th September, 2008 09:00
Borders clubs on road to Hampden
By Ally McGilvray
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IT has the distinction of being the oldest national trophy in the world.
The Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the Scottish Cup, is the football cup competition of Scotland.
And, while it may seem like a long way from the final in May, the road to Hampden kicks-off here…
Selkirk tackle Coldstream at home while Gala Fairydean play away to Preston Athletic in their respective first-round ties on Saturday.
Both are aiming to bounce back from defeats in domestic competitions at the weekend.
However, while the East of Scotland League clubs can only dream of winning the Scottish Cup; a lucrative run or a draw against one of the senior sides, such as holders Rangers, would be equal to victory and, financially, set them up for the rest of the season.
“This, both on and off the park, is undoubtedly the biggest game of our season.”
Selkirk boss Paul Brownlee summed up what the competition means to the Yarrow Park club whose most infamous appearance came in the cup with a 20-0 defeat to Stirling Albion two decades ago.
He missed his side’s 1-0 defeat at home to Gretna 2008 in the second round of the Image Printers Cup last Saturday to spy on opponents Coldstream, who won 1-0 against Spartans - despite the club claiming their first trophy in 30 years in the competition last season.
Brownlee said: “Everybody is fit and raring to go. It’s a home tie, which every team hopes for in the draw, and it is against a team in the same division as us so it should be an evenly matched game.”
Selkirk, who will face former players Craig Tyson (midfielder) and Scott Lumsden (goalkeeper), hope to sign a striker before kick-off to bolster their attack.
Brownlee said: “There will be a few interesting battles on the park but it could all come down to a small mistake or a bit of luck.” Nevertheless he added: “I hope the competition brings out the best in the players and we progress to the next round.”
Gala Fairydean, meanwhile, have told their players not to bother turning up for their Scottish Cup tie if they are going to play the same way they did in their defeat to 10-man Eyemouth United at the weekend.
Co-managers Bryan Templeton and Derek Hancock’s preparations for the match have been hampered by a series of injuries to key players, and a spying mission to Prestonpans had to be abandoned after their opponents match was cancelled.
However, they have signed former Gala Rovers striker Craig Middlemiss as cover for top goalscorer Des
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