RANGERS IN FOR A CULTURE SHOCK
football is stripped back to the bare bones. Rangers will see this as a cup tie they should win but they will know it’s not going to be straightforward.”
The sight of former Rangers manager Ally McCoist checking his watch and urging the referee to blow for full-time during a 1-0 win over Forres Mechanics in a 2012 Scottish Cup tie proves Lawson’s point of anything being possible.
Former Motherwell and Ross County midfielder Lawson is adamant the days of the Light Blues racking up a 10-1 win – which they did against Keith 21 years ago – are ancient history. Lawson has recent experience of facing Fraserburgh and saw enough to suggest they could pull off the biggest upset in Scottish Cup history.
He said: “You only need to look at the weekend results when Highland League clubs beat SPFL teams to see there are good players in our league who should be playing at a higher level. The standard is very good, maybe location is a factor in our favour as there are not many SPFL clubs in the north east of the country.
“It shows you the undoubted talent there is up here and on their day the Highland League clubs can hold their own against bigger SPFL teams.
“It’s a one-off occasion so you never know, there might be a shock on the cards. We beat Fraserburgh 4-0 at our place last month and we head to Bellslea Park next week where we expect a difficult encounter.
“They have a decent squad with a couple of real quality players and have a young manager in Mark Cowie who has done really well during his time in charge. It’s exciting for them and the entire town.”
Lawson, 33, is well aware of what Fraserburgh and fellow Highland League clubs bring to the competition and admits there was a touch of envy when his team landed a local derby against Cove Rangers.
He said: “It’s the romance of the Cup and you can see just how delighted the Fraserburgh players were to get this draw.
“They are realistic, this is the cup final for them as that’s just the way it is when you play at our level.
“It’s the dream to draw an SPFL side and unfortunately we weren’t so lucky at Formartine. What it does mean is there will definitely be a Highland League side in the fifth round and that’s going to be great for the league in general.
“I know what it’s like being at a big club and facing a Highland League side as I was with Ross County when we played Inverurie on our way to reaching the League Cup Final against Dundee United in 2010. “The game was at our place which was a bonus and we won 4-0 but it wasn’t straightforward.
“Being at home always helps and Fraserburgh would have been jumping for joy at landing Rangers but the Ibrox side wouldn’t have been as delighted as they know it’s a problematic tie.
“An away tie always presents something different and it will be fascinating to see how it goes.”
Lawson also hopes the tie remains in Fraserburgh as it would provide another huge factor which can swing the result their way.
He said: “Fraserburgh are a good side within our league and they will be right up for the game.
“The town will come out in force and create a decent atmosphere and I’m sure everyone at the club will be hoping the game is kept at Fraserburgh.
“It will be a tougher match than anyone expects, believe me. If they keep the game at their place then anything can happen.”
PAUL LAWSON