A BORE DRAW
THE DRAW
ALLAN JOHNSTON has insisted only Scottish teams should compete in the Irn-Bru Cup after Dunfermline were drawn to face Boreham Wood away from home.
The Pars have face a nightmare 830-mile round trip to take on the National League outfit in the second round next month following the introduction of English teams for the first time this season.
Clubs from Northern Ireland and Wales, as well as Premiership Colts sides, were introduced two years ago and teams from the Republic of Ireland continued the overhaul of the competition last year.
But with the Fifers facing the heavy financial burden of a trip to Hertfordshire, just north of London, Johnston questioned the need for the changes.
Magic said: “I still don’t understand why these teams are in our competition in the first place.
“I also don’t understand why they come in at later rounds – if they’re taking part they should join in the first round. It’s a Scottish competition, it should be for Scottish clubs.”
Gus MacPherson can’t wait to take his Spiders to Wales but club scout will be Bobby Dickson will be cursing them for all the extra leg work.
Queen’s Park have been New Saints v Queen’s Park Falkirk v Connah’s Quay Boreham Wood v Dunfermline Airdrie v Sutton Utd Coleraine v Formartine Utd QoS v Crusaders Sligo Rovers v Livingston U21s or Forfar Peterhead v Bohemians East Fife v Partick Thistle Arbroath v Annanc Dumbarton v Montrose Dundee Utd v Alloa Dundee U21s v Motherwell U21s East Kilbride v Edinburgh City St Mirren U21s v Hamilton U21s Ross County v Raith drawn against The New Saints in the second round.
MacPherson said: “It’s a terrific tie for the players and fans but not as good for Bobby as he’ll need to go down and watch them!”
Peterhead gaffer Jim McInally hopes to see some familiar faces when his side play Bohemians.
The former Scotland star helped the Dalymount Park side defeat Aberdeen in a UEFA Cup tie in 2000.
He said: “When I was with Sligo I got to know Bohemians boss Roddy Collins and I was part of the backroom staff when they played Aberdeen.
“They were a right good side and we’ll be in for a tough afternoon if they’re anything like that team.”