Ayrshire Post

CUP FOR IT

United will go all- out to make last 16 of Betfred trophy

- Lochlin Highet

Ian McCall insists his side will do everything they can to qualify for the last 16 of the Betfred Cup.

Ayr United head to Firhill to take on Partick Thistle on Saturday knowing that a win should be enough to put them into the hat for the knockout stages.

The Honest Men beat Morton 3- 1 in their first group game before beating Albion 2- 0 on Saturday.

McCall’s side were due to play Stenhousem­uir last night ( Tuesday) at Somerset Park.

And McCall, who will head to his old stomping ground on Saturday, said: “It’s a good game against a team in the same league as us.

“They are fancied to be challengin­g for the league title, so it will be a good gauge for us to see where we are at.

“I don’t think the game will have any similariti­es to the league opener though, but if there is a place up for grabs in the last 16 then we are going to go for it.”

The Betfred Cup format has come under scrutiny from a number of players and managers involved in the game.

But McCall has gone against the grain and offered his support for the group stage style.

He said: “I think it’s good and I like it. “I like the games that actually mean something, rather than meaningles­s friendlies which I hate.

“With this format it means you only need three pre season friendlies.

“And we have done well in the opening couple of games so that momentum will hopefully stick with us going into the league campaign.”

Ross Docherty has been back in full training for the past week, with Chris Higgins set to join back up with the squad next week.

• Ayr United Travel Club will be running a supporters’ bus for the game against Partick on Saturday.

It will be leaving the hospitalit­y suite at 12pm, with the bar open from 11am.

Seats on the bus will cost £ 8 and can be booked by calling Jamie 0779274735­4, Jeanne 0759928951­7 or Lisa 0759928951­4.

• The Ayr United open day will take place this Sunday from 12pm.

Fans are welcome to join the party at Somerset where they can meet their heroes amidst a whole host of fun events.

The players and managers will be there along with a Stagedoor BBQ, Mancini’s ice cream and a kids v adults match to soak in, plus plenty of more fun activities.

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