McNeil looks for Cup payback on Rabs’ derby day

REVENGE is a dish best served cold, and if Rob Roys’ Central League Cup fixture against rivals Kilsyth Rangers survives the West’s blizzard conditions on Saturday, that’s exactly what Rabs keeper Stevie McNeil will be after.

The veteran shotstopper is relishing a shot at retribution after the Adamslie Park side were punted out of the Sectional League Cup at the hands of their neighbours earlier in the season, and looks at the upcoming derby as chance to make amends for the 3-0 upset.

“We were knocked out of the Sectional by Rob Roy up at their place, so I think we owe them one,” said McNeil.

“They’ve been a bit like us this season, up and down in the league, but they’ve got a decent bunch of players.

“It doesn’t matter how good the squad looks on paper though, it’s all about who turns up on the day, so we just need to look after ourselves and if we do that, we can level the score.”

McNeil got a taste of cup glory in this competition last season, albeit from the sidelines for Petershill, but his mind is firmly on getting the Super Premier Division Rabs past Saturday’s second-round derby.

“I won the League Cup with Petershill last year,” he said. “But I’d just come back from injury, so I was on the bench.

“Winning a cup with any team, however you do it, is amazing.

“We overcame Yoker and it was a special day for the club and the fans, even sitting on the bench.

“We’ve struggled in the league a bit this season but the cup gives your mind a break from that, so hopefully we can progress.”

Elsewhere, Johnstone Burgh manager Jamie McKim has added former Stanraer and Stirling university goalkeeper Nathan Brown to the Central District Second Division squad until the end of the season, along with former Renfrew and Tower Hearts 21’s player Thomas McLeary.

Meanwhile, Carluke FC are to merge with Juniors club Newmains United.

The new club will remain under the Newmains United name and keep a Juniors and amateur team.

Newmains United Juniors will continue to play in the SJFA West Region, while Newmains Amateurs will join the Strathclyde Saturday Morning League next season.

Cobras boss Paul Davies and Newmains United chief Craig Gupwell will become co-managers.