We revel in role of being giant slayers
Coupar love going toe-to-toe with the big boys
Coupar Angus boss Logan McConachie insists his players thrive on facing opposition from higher up the chain.
That will again be the case for the Foxhall Park men this weekend when they welcome East Premier side Dunbar United.
The East of Scotland Cup second round clash is of great importance to McConachie, who has done his homework on the visitors.
He said: “Since the draw we’ve kept a close eye on Dunbar United and have had three reports and videos on them from managers who played them recently.
“They counter attack well, so our main focus is preventing them from creating chances in the areas they are strongest.
“We want to perform well in every competition and it’s clear from our recent cup results that our lads like to show that they can compete with the higher-ranked teams.
“We’re building on our results each week and hope to continue that form into the league.”
Luncarty also face an East of Scotland Cup tie against an East Premier team. The Bleachers hit the
Coupar boss McConachie wants to see his players rise to the challenge this weekend
road to take on Fauldhouse United and manager Jon Kelly is determined to piece together a cup run.
He explained: “This Saturday is certainly going to be huge test away to Fauldhouse.
“They are going really well in the Premier League and a number of their results have stood out.
“It’s a chance for our players to go and show we can compete at this level.
“To do this we must be at the top of our game. The players must go into the game with confidence and believe in their own ability.
“We are more than capable in my eyes, so it’s up to us as management to get them ready for this.
“As we are out of the Scottish Junior Cup, we look to this as the biggest cup we are still involved in.
“It would be great to still be in the competition come five o’clock Saturday.”
Kelly says his squad is nursing a few injuries - and that is why it will be a late selection.
He concluded: “We have a number of injuries within the squad just now but we are fortunate to have a 23 players.
“It will be a late selection for both starting XI and 16-man squad as we will give players right up until Saturday to declare themselves fit.”
Jeanfield Swifts, meanwhile, are in GA Engineering Cup action on Saturday and travel to play North League side Lochee Harp.
Manager Ross Gunnion said: “Harp are a team in transition after a poor few seasons. They’ve got a new ground on the way and are pulling together the makings of a team capable of pushing for promotion.
“They’ve brought in Jay Smart from Broughty as player-assistant boss and he’s got quality and experience.
“They will prove tough to beat and will relish the opportunity of pitting themselves against a Super League team.
“There’s no doubt that teams from the lower leagues raise their game against us and the Perth-Dundee rivalry adds a little more edge to the game.
“My players are aware of the threats they pose and will need to be ready for a tough encounter.”
In the same competition, Kinnoull face an away tie with in-form Dundee North End, while Blairgowrie welcome Kirriemuir Thistle.
Scone Thistle are the only Perthshire side in North League action this weekend.
The Jags are away to Lochore Welfare and boss Derek Lawson said: “I expect a very hard game with Lochore this weekend, who have been on a good run of results.
“We must bounce back on Saturday after a poor performance against Dundee North End last time out.”
It’s clear from recent cup results that our lads can compete with higher-ranked teams