“WE want a home tie against an SPFL team and let’s fill this place to the rafters.” 

Those were the post-match comments of Gala boss Steven Noble after his side’s hard-fought win against Fraserburgh on Saturday.

And his wish came true on Monday night, when the Fairydean Rovers drew League two side Elgin City in the second round draw of the Scottish Cup in Aberdeen.

It certainly isn’t the easiest fixture to be faced with. 

Jim Weir’s side currently sit third in their league, having demolished Stirling Albion 4-0 in their last match.

But that doesn’t faze Noble who says his team are up for the challenge.
After the draw, he told the Border Telegraph: “We’re really happy with the draw, it’s a SPFL side, so it’s absolutely brilliant. And a home tie is what we wanted.

“The players will be excited for the game and we’re not going to be there just to make up the numbers.

“Spartans, East Kilbride and Lothian Thistle have all shown in the last couple of years that it’s possible to win these games, so we’re all really excited and happy with the tie and looking forward to the game,” he added.

The Braw Lads have won their last two matches, incidentally both were cup ties at Netherdale. 

The first was a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Heston Rovers in the South Scotland Challenge Cup and the second on Saturday against Fraserburgh.

And Noble believes Gala’s recent form can make it three cup victories on the bounce.

“Of course the boys should be looking forward to it and I’m hoping we can build on Saturday’s result.

“Hopefully we can build a bit of momentum and have a real go, because we’re desperate to win the game and get into the next round of the cup.

“We know it will be a tough game. Elgin are doing well this season. But to do well in this cup you need to beat good sides.

“From now we’ll be doing what we can. We’ll be trying to identify what their strengths and weaknesses are, to give ourselves the best chance of winning the game. But they’ll be doing the same for us.

“It means a lot to both clubs. We’re both desperate to go on Scottish Cup runs,” he added.

“We just want to get the crowd in, get Netherdale packed and make it a real occasion.”

Elsewhere Hawick Royal Albert will play Berwick Rangers at Shieldfield Park, providing they can see off their Lowland League rivals Civil Service Strollers at Albert Park on Saturday.

If they do win, John Coughlin’s team will be a tough test for Hawick. The English team are currently fourth in League Two, just one point behind Gala’s opponents Elgin.

Round two ties in the Scottish Cup will be played on Saturday, October 22.