Stirling is wary of Talbot test
Hamilton star Ben Stirling believes Beechwood Park is a special venue but he’s determined to silence the Auchinleck Talbot fans and avoid another close call in the Scottish Cup.
The midfielder was part of the Arbroath squad taken to a replay by the West of Scotland League giants in 2019 after Lichties netted an 88th minute penalty to avoid crashing out at the third round.
Arbroath went on to win the tie at the second attempt so while he’s looking forward to his return to Beechwood on Saturday, he wants to make sure Accies don’t become a cup scalp.
Ahead of the third round tie, the 23-year-old recalled: “I was down there two years ago with Arbroath and, unfortunately, I never got on, but it was a good experience.
“There’s not really anywhere that compares to it in the leagues. I think there was about 1300, 1400 there that day, all standing around the side [of the pitch].
“It is a real Junior pitch and it’s a privilege to play there.
“I think everyone will relish it. It will be a bit different from going away to the likes of Dunfermline and Raith, where you don’t really hear things getting shouted at you.
“You can just smile and do your business on the park.
“Auchinleck have been on the TV before so I think most of the squad have an idea what it will be like. I think everyone will look forward to the game.
“I know it’s going to be tough and they have a good record in the cup, but we’ll be looking to stop that run.
“It’s probably quite good to have been there before. I had just turned 20 when I was there and as a young boy it was a real opener.
“But we’ve got a few boys who have played there. Miko [Virtanen, the Accies defender] was down there on loan [from Aberdeen] with me at Arbroath so with the experience and youthfulness in our team, I hope it will stand us in good stead.”
Stirling has only played in one Scottish Cup tie previously and that, too, has made him wary of underestimating Saturday’s opponents, who currently top the West of Scotland League Premier Division.
In 2016 while playing in League Two with Berwick Rangers, Stirling was part of the team that were stunned 3-2 by Lowland League Hawick Royal Albert.
And he added: “We’ll be playing the underdogs on Saturday and it was the same that day at Berwick.
“That day we probably thought it was going to be too easy and we just needed to turn up.
“I think we scored early in the second half and thought ‘here we go,’ but it just wasn’t to be.
“The changing room was definitely quiet and it was a long trip home.
“But on Saturday we will definitely be prepared. We’ll watch them on video and be ready for Saturday. Hopefully we can go on and get a glamour tie.”
Accies are set to be without defender Jamie Hamilton for the clash as he remains sidelined.
The 19-year-old suffered chest pains in the defeat to Arbroath on November 6 and has passed a series of test on his heart as he prepares to return to action. However, Saturday is believed to be too soon for him to make a comeback.
Youngster Adam Mcgowan will also be absent after he pulled up in training earlier in the week. The full extent of his injury is being assessed.