By George! Vics go up for the cup
Grierson pledges to give it a go against Talbot
George Grierson has barely got his feet under the table at Dam Park – now he’s preparing to face the red hot Scottish Cup favourites.
But the new Whitletts Vics gaffer pledges he will give Auchinleck Talbot a game of it in one of the ties of the day in the Ayrshire Cup on Saturday.
Poor weather meant Grierson has been in charge for only two games since taking over in mid- January.
But he can proudly say he is unbeaten after dumping Maybole 2- 1 and drawing 1- 1 with Irvine Vics.
Grierson said: “When I took the job, we were a long way off even thinking about promotion. But other results have gone our way and we’ve taken four points from six, so the target has to be top three, which is automatic promotion, or fourth and a play- off.
“Talbot are the benchmark for junior football and Tommy Sloan is the most successful manager ever but we’re in it to win it although we’re not kidded.”
Grierson has made his third signing by landing 20- year- old keeper Louis Kerr from Cumnock.
Earlier, he made a double raid on Troon for striker Adam Forsyth and loan defender Morgan Brown.
Grierson said: “We were light in three positions but we’ve managed to fill them and for that I’m grateful to the committee. We are now much more balanced and have a good squad.”
Talbot, who have been drawn away to Carnoustie in the Scottish Cup quarterfinals, are looking good for a 12th win.
But boss Sloan won’t take the trip to Ayr lightly although he could involve some fringe players.
TROON expect a big crowd for the visit of Premier League leaders KILWINNING who went six points clear after a last gasp 2- 1 win at GIRVAN.
Carlo Monti’s fourth minute opener was cancelled out by a Paul Cameron penalty early in the second- half. Monti then popped up with a last minute winner to leave the hosts deflated.
GLENAFTON entertain ANNBANK off the back of a 2- 1 win away to Pollok, inspired by a half- time tongue lashing from boss Craig McEwan.
Trailing to a Paul Gallacher goal at the break, Glens hit back with a Mick McCann header and two goals from Chris Dallas, the first a penalty.
CUMNOCK head to Ayrshire League strugglers SALTCOATS while CRAIGMARK will bid for a Premier scalp when they entertain KILBIRNIE.
In the only Ayrshire League game, MAYBOLE try to bounce back from a 2- 1 defeat at Dalry when they play ARDEER at Ladywell.
Keeper Martin McAulay and veteran defender Stuart Peacock pulled up in the warm- up. Jordan Stuart and Greg Morrison struck before Greig Mitchell pulled back a goal from a free- kick. Despite going down to 10 men, the hosts held on.
Scottish Cup, quarter- finals: Yoker or Wishaw v Rob Roy; Beith v Lochee Utd; Bo’ness v Hurlford; Carnoustie v Auchinleck. Ties due March 17.