Thorn are up for cup challenge
Thorn Athletic manager Johnny McEwan is preparing his side for tough days at the office after landing two difficult cup draws.
The Johnstone side were pulled out of the hat at home against Border Amateur cracks Langlee in Monday’s Scottish Cup third round draw at Hampden.
They have already disposed of Cambusbarron from the Caledonian League and look to be on an impressive run of form so far this season.
That draw came as Thorn prepare to face Central Scottish AFL side Campsie Minerva in the West of Scotland Cup at the Thorn Athletic Sports Academy on Saturday. Kick-off is at 2pm.
Both ties look to be a step up from what the team have faced in previous rounds of both competitions.
And after the postponement of their weekend Premier League clash with Dalziel, the team have undergone a big week of training to be ready for the difficult tasks ahead.
McEwan said: “Both teams look to be doing well and we will need to be at our best if we want to progress.
“We are happy with the two home draws and it would be a great lift to get through.
“Campsie are a well-respected team and, although we don’t know too much about teams from the Borders area, we expect a difficult one based on their result in the last round.
“With two good nights training under our belts this week, hopefully the boys are raring to go.”
While he’s keen to progress, McEwan is already concerned about Thorn’s cup runs potentially leaving them lagging behind in the league.
He said: “With the postponement on Saturday and other games going ahead we are already playing catch-up early doors.
“However, we will just prepare as best we can and see where the schedule takes us.”