Gartcairn won’t be taken lightly, says McBride
KEVIN McBRIDE says there can be no excuses for him and his Kilsyth Rangers team-mates not bringing their A game into tonight’s New Coin Holdings West of Scotland quarter-final at home to Gartcairn.
The full-back — still playing regularly at 38 — and who doubles as Duncansfield No2 is aware his Super First Division side are massive favourites going into the tie but does not feel their current form merits any feelings of complacency.
He said: “Gartcairn have taken their fair share of scalps this season and they cannot be taken lightly.
“We fully expect them to come here and have a go just like they did when beating Troon 4-1.
“There’s no doubting we have the players here to meet their challenge head on but only if we cut out the slackness that has crept into our own recent performances.
“Getting into gear to play with a high tempo from the first whistle is essential as we have found ourselves having to battle back from two goals down in our last two outings against Renfrew and Girvan.”
McBride took charge of preparations for the last-eight clash and he insists Kilsyth are ready.
He said: “Michael McGhee and Chris Reid were back in the fold after missing last Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Renfrew and it’s pleasing to have a full strength squad ahead of such a big cup game.
“Even getting to the semi-finals sets up the chance of a visit to Newlandsfield to face Pollok (assuming they can overcome St Roch’s of course). It’s a great incentive for us but we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact Gartcairn will be every bit as motivated.”
A crunch 90 minutes is also in store for Super First Division bottom markers Maryhill whose manager John Hughes was left deeply frustrated over a 5-1 weekend humiliation at home to Shettleston
Hughes, whose side face fourth bottom Shotts Bon Accord tonight, said: “Saturday’s performance was a disaster. We were caught napping right from the first whistle.
“Our display was all the more disappointing after we had managed to pick up five points from an unbeaten three-game run. I felt we turned the corner but Saturday’s result has put us back to square one and facing a massive game tonight.
“Win and we psychologically get away from the foot of the table and even more crucially move to just four points behind Shotts with five games in hand.”
A midweek trek to Hannah Park for a 6.30pm start is set to penalise Maryhill after Hughes, who signed ex-Hurlford United midfielder David McClune, revealed a number of his players are struggling to make the early kick-off time.
He said: “It would be better if this had been a weekend fixture because players finishing work in Glasgow at 5 or 5.30pm and having roadworks to negotiate are going to be really up against it.
“David did well on his debut but his work commitments will not allow him to get to Shotts in time — and at least four more of the guys are in a similar pickle.
“David Mathews is free from suspension and Gavin Stokes is back from holiday — which is just as well as it’s looking like we will need every player on the books just to make up a team.”