Swifts handed a home fixture in Scottish Cup
Ross pleased with draw but focus is on this weekend
Jeanfield Swifts got the home Scottish Junior Cup tie they were looking for but manager Ross Gunnion is aware of the threat posed by Hermes.
The North Region side visit the Riverside later this month for third round action.
The Perth boss believes his squad can beat the best, especially at home, so it’s one the club is looking forward to.
“I think all you can hope for from any cup draw is a home tie and we’ve been lucky enough to get that,” Gunnion told the PA.
“At home we always feel we’re capable of beating the best teams. It’s a slight advantage but an advantage nonetheless.
“Hermes are one of the top teams in the North Region and will no doubt pose a tough test.
“From the initial reports I’ve received we can expect a physical team who are hard to break down with one or two quality players im the right areas.
“We’ll have to be at our best to try and progress.
“They are well supported and will bring a good travelling support so it should mean a good atmosphere at the Riverside.”
Before then Swifts have more pressing matters in the form of the GA Cup. A trip to fellow Super League side Carnoustie Panmure is on the cards this weekend.
“The more immediate focus is Carnoustie in the GA Cup this weekend,” Gunnion said. “They have hit a bit of form recently and turned their poor start of the season around.
“I had no doubt they would as injuries and suspensions meant that Alan McSkimming had struggled to field a full strength team for the first couple of months.
“Now he has a full squad to choose from they are showing their quality and picking up recent results.
“It promises to be a good game
as we’re looking dangerous when attacking. Our aim is to get into the next round and we’ll put together a plan to do that.” There will be no lack of confidence in the Luncarty camp this weekend for their trip to face Blairgowrie in the East of Scotland Cup.
The Bleachers have been performing well in their first season back from abeyance and will look to put down a marker against Blair this weekend.
“We go into the game on Saturday with nothing to fear, as I now feel we are more confident as a team,” said manager Jon Kelly.
“Blairgowrie are a good side and got the better of us in the first fixture this season. This is something we will try and make amends for this weekend.
“We have a few of our young boys returning to the squad on Saturday which will add a good bit of pace to the team, so I’m hoping we can get at them.
“It’s a good cup match to look forward to with an added bit of spice with it being a local derby.”
Luncarty have been drawn to play Rosyth at home in the third round of the Scottish Junior Cup.
COUPAR v KINNOULL
Coupar Angus manager Logan McConachie is planning to spring a shock this weekend by taking points off Kinnoull in the North Division.
The local clash, taking place at Foxhall Park, will have the home side placed as big underdogs. But the east Perthshire side’s boss knows his players are ready to prove a point.
He said: “Obviously they’ve had a good run but we’re still looking to capitalise on their weaknesses. We’ve had a couple of unfortunate results as of late, as our performances have been positive.
“We have a couple missing for the weekend, which is unfortunate when playing a side in good form.
“However, it will give players who are on the fringes an opportunity to prove themselves and keep the shirt for next week against Lochore.”
McConachie has been impressed with how Kinnoull have gone about their business this season and added: “Kinnoull have had a great start to the season and have managed to keep most of their players from last season on board.”
Kinnoull boss Alan Cameron knows it won’t be an easy afternoon’s work against Coupar.
He said: “Coupar Angus is always a difficult place for us to go and I am sure that they will make life very difficult for us again on Saturday. I am hoping to have a new face in our squad for Saturday’s match.”
Elsewhere, Coupar have placed Kris Morrice and Joe Grimes on the open to transfer list. All enquiries to Billy McGregor on 07790770692.
SCONE THISTLE
Scone Thistle are chasing vital league points this weekend with a home clash against Thornton Hibs.
The Jags are going well this term and followed up an impressive Scottish Junior Cup win with a convincing victory against Lochore Welfare last weekend.
Manager Derek Lawson has one doubt for Saturday afternoon’s game and that is Gary Fergus. The attacker has been having treatment on an ankle injury and will face a late fitness test.
Thistle have been handed an away tie in the third round of the Scottish Junior Cup. They will travel to take on Super League side Penicuik Athletic.