Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Violet and Dokens host past winners
THE third round of the Scottish Cup sets the scene tomorrow with a host of former winners providing the opposition for Tayside clubs.
One of those is Glenafton Athletic, who head for Glenesk to take on Violet.
The Ayrshire side are still one of the top sides in the west and currently sit second top of the Super Premier Division, losing only once in eight matches.
They were finalists two seasons ago but lost out to Hurlford and last week’s league win at Pollok suggests the Pansies will have their work cut out.
Ralph Henderson will be without Barry Wilson and Aaron Kane and the manager will also be minus keeper Gary Thain who is working. Ex-Dundee United youngster Ciaran Conway will take over in goal.
North End will also start as underdogs against Linlithgow at North End Park.
Dokens manager Andy Heggie admits they will have to show a big improvement on last week’s display against Harp if they are to make an impression on the Super League side.
He said: “We will need to be a lot sharper and more up for the tie against Linlithgow if we are to have a chance of progressing.
“I’m certainly looking for a massive improvement in our energy and commitment level which was missing against Harp.”
Martin Strachan is back in full training and goes straight into the squad, while Dayle Robertson and Marc Mackie return from holiday.
The return of Gary Sutherland is another bonus but Ryan Winter is out injured.
Ryan Hunter remains on the transfer list and interested clubs should contact Andy Heggie on 07737 521024.
Carnoustie face an away tie against Petershill and supporters intending travelling should note the tie will be played at McKenna Park, the home of St. Anthony’s, due to the resurfacing of the Glasgow outfit’s home pitch.
Petershill may not be the force they once were but will still be a good test for the Gowfers. They play in the Super League First Division but have won only twice in eight matches and drawn another two.