Uni students aim to teach a Swift lesson
Mailer expecting a tough test at the Riverside
Stirling University defender Angus Mailer will line-up against some familiar faces this weekend.
But there will be no pals’ act when the former Perth High School pupil sets about knocking Jeanfield Swifts out of the SFA South Region Challenge Cup.
Mailer, from St Madoes, has been impressed with Swifts’ start to life away from the Junior set-up and expects them to make Saturday afternoon a difficult one at the Riverside.
“I’m aware they’ve made a few signings over the summer and have had a strong start to the season,” Mailer told the Perthshire Advertiser ahead of the fourth round clash.
“They’ve already had a few good results against Lowland League opposition, defeating East Kilbride and Vale of Leithen.
“So we know that it’s going to be a tough game as they will be a strong outfit and hard to break down.
“I know a few of the boys and have played alongside some of them.
“I’ll be hoping we can put in a strong performance and come out of the game with a positive result.
“I can’t remember ever playing at the Riverside. My dad and grandparents will come along, as they do to most of my games.
“I think a few of my friends will also be there as well, so hopefully there will be a decent crowd.”
The students ply their trade in the Lowland League, one tier above Swifts, and will head into the game with confidence.
They recently booked a place in the third round of the Scottish Cup to tee-up a home tie with League Two Elgin City.
“We’ve had a tough run of games so far in the Lowland League and the standard of opposition is getting stronger each year,” said 20-year-old Mailer.
“We’ve been performing well considering the amount of games we are playing, along with the university league on a Wednesday.
“Getting to the third round of the Scottish Cup for the first time was also a great feeling.
“We faced two tough Highland League teams in the first two rounds, so we are delighted to have come this far.
“We know Elgin is now going to be no easy task.
“We have the advantage of being at home and we will go into the game with every confidence we can take something from it.”
Spending time with St Johnstone and Forfar has provided Mailer with a solid platform to build on in the game.
Now in his third year of Environmental Geography, he is aware of the importance of getting his degree.
He said: “I gained a lot of experience with both Forfar and St Johnstone and the coaching staff were excellent with me at both clubs.
“Gaining experience with Forfar has also helped me in playing lots of games with the university in my two and a bit years here so far.
“Of course it would be nice to play at the highest level as possible.
“But currently my main focus is on my football with the university, along with my degree.”
Kick-off at the Riverside is at 1.30pm on Saturday afternoon. Angus Mailer heads for the Riverside with his Stirling University team on Saturday