GALASHIELS is bracing itself for the first football train to arrive in more half a century on Saturday.

Up to 100 Linlithgow Rose supporters are expected to take advantage of the new Borders Railway ahead of their team's clash with the Fairydean Rovers in the first round of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

David McGlynn's team remain unbeaten in the East Super League after seven games - sitting just three points behind early leaders, Bo'ness United.

Officials at Netherdale expect a crowd in excess of 500 for the the tie.

And the Fairydean Rovers manager Steven Noble believes it will be an occasion to remember for his club. He said: "This is a huge day for my players and everyone involved with Gala Fairydean Rovers.

"We know that Linlithgow will come here with a talented squad and a big support but it is up to us to make sure they don't get things all their own way.

"We have a good bunch of boys here and on our day we can beat teams like Linlithgow."

Gala welcome back Ross Aitchison to the squad but Daryl Burdett faces a late fitness test as he recovers from a knee injury.

Selkirk will also be close to full strength for the long 200-mile trip north to face Nairn County.

But Steve Forrest's team may be forced to travel on the morning of the match as the hunt continues for a hotel.

The manager said: "The hotel we have used in the past has only three rooms left and it is proving difficult to find an alternative place big enough for us all.

"We've not yet given up but as of today (Monday) we're still looking."

Phil Addison, who was rested for Saturday's win at Preston Athletic after sustaining a knee knock, is expected to return to the starting team for the cup clash.

But defender Jamie Pyper, who had surgery last month, isn't expected to be fit in time.

Hawick Royal Albert are also in first round action after beating Wigtown in the preliminary round.

Dean Shanks' team face Highland League side Huntly at Albert Park. The manager said: "Nobody gave us a chance at Wigtown and we'll be the underdogs again for Huntly - but we have the players to win these type of games."

Grant Davidson and Des Sutherland take their high-flying Coldstream up to Ainslie Park to face the Lowland League Spartans team.

Grant said: "We will have to be at our very best to get anything from the game but we will go there and give it our all."