THERE is expected to be some divided loyalties at Netherdale on Scottish Cup Saturday when Elgin City arrive.

Several members of Gala Fairydean Rovers have lifelong connections with the Borough Briggs club - and several continue to support them.

Gala secretary Graeme McIver told us: "From the moment the draw was made it was clear that there are a large number of connections between people and the Borough Briggs side.

"Life member and local footballing legend Ellis MacGregor is from Elgin and the former Secretary of Gala Fairydean John Clayton spent many happy holidays at his Granny’s flat in Hill Street in the town."

When officials at Netherdale the club researched the previous game between the sides in 1983 it turned out that Jim Smith, then the Vice-President of the Fairydean was Elgin born and bred whilst Alan Milne who is on the current board of Gala Fairydean Rovers recently moved to the Borders after several years in the Moray town.

The connections kept coming as Gala’s Vice-Chair Tommy Cass was recently in Elgin for the wedding of his nephew Sam Cass to Caireen.

Tommy's brother, Mike moved 25 years ago to work for Johnston’s of Elgin and he and his family plan a family re-union at Netherdale this weekend.

Graeme added: "There will be divided loyalties as Tommy, Mike and their father Tom will be cheering on the Fairydean Rovers whilst Mike’s sons, Jamie, Sam, Callum and Colin will be cheering on City."

Former Gala Fairydean manager Garry Fraser and his family will also have split loyalties at the game. Garry, who has recently joined the Executive Committee of the Fairyden Rovers, has followed the Borough Briggs side over the years.

He told us: "My dad was an Elgin loon who grew up watching the great City teams in the 60s including the one who reached quarter finals of the Scottish Cup.

"He played for Elgin Boys Club in their select side, toured with the under 15 team when they first undertook a trip abroad going to Holland and Germany and also took part in a Celtic Boys club tournament for European teams.

"He then played for Bishopmill Utd, one of the town’s junior sides who shared facilities at Borough Briggs and trained with Elgin City.

"He signed for Highland League rivals Keith at the age of 16 and played in their league winning team a couple of years later.

"My family moved away from Elgin to Gala when I was eight years old. My granddad was the well-known bus inspector and local bike collector Sam Fraser.

"I spent the next 10 years travelling back up to stay with him every school holidays. I try to get to at least two or three Elgin games a season when I get the chance and couldn’t believe it when the draw brought City to Netherdale.”

Saturday's second round Scottish Cup tie between Gala Fairydean Rovers and Elgin kicks off at 3pm.