Sorley not ready for cup journey to end
Scone Thistle goalkeeper Gavin Sorley reckons hard work and determination can keep their Scottish Junior Cup dream alive.
Farquharson Park is the venue for this weekend’s third round replay against Aberdeen East End after the teams played out a 1-1 draw last Saturday.
Youngster Aaron Carlon kept his composure to net the equaliser from the spot in the first half before neither net was breached after the break.
Experienced stopper Sorley highlighted the benefits of now being on home soil but knows that advantage counts for nothing if the attitude isn’t right.
“You’ve always got to have confidence going into any game regardless of the opposition,” he explained to the Perthshire Advertiser this week.
“The game on Saturday has helped us get an understanding of the way they play and the type of players they have.
“The game on Saturday was a battle and to be honest we knew that would be the case as most teams up north get in your face and work hard.
“Aberdeen East End came out the traps straight away and got on the front foot. It took us a little bit of time to get to terms with that.
“When we did we created chances, as did they. It was an open game and any team could have walked away with the win.
“I think playing at our pitch will suit us much better. It’s a smaller park and it’s a park we can get the ball down and play to our strengths.
“Home advantage obviously plays a part. Ultimately though it’s the hard work on the pitch along with attitude and determination that gets you through.
“Hopefully the weather is nice and we can get some of the supporters down to cheer the lads on as that also helps give us that bit extra.”
Scone remain the only Perthshire team remaining in the prestigious competition and Sorley is keen to continue flying the flag for the region.
“It’s important because you always want to see your local teams doing well,” Sorley said.
“I think at the start of the season no-one would have thought it would be Scone flying the flag for Junior football in Perthshire.
“But that shows the kind of characters we have in our dressing room. We are all in this together and work for each other. It’s a proud moment for Scone and we want that to continue.”
Last weekend’s cup clash with Aberdeen East End was new manager Sean Whitworth’s first official game in charge of the team.
The former player had been looking after first team matters following the departure of Derek Lawson but has now been handed the reins.
Sorley is giving his full backing to the new boss and knows Farquharson Park players will be going all out to mark his arrival with victory tomorrow.
“It’s good to finally get the gaffer announced,” Sorley said.
“Between the time of Derek leaving and Sean being announced, nothing changed. We tried to keep everything the same and as normal as possible.
“That’s a credit to the lads in the dressing room for getting their heads down and getting on with things.
“We are all determined to win and go as far as we can. We will work on a few things this week and be ready for Saturday.”
Kick-off at Farquharson Park is at the earlier time of 2pm.
It’s hard work on the pitch along with determination that will get you through...