Bluebells look for more of same at Auchinleck

Midfielder takes heart from victories on Ayrshire visits

Although Lochee United face Auchinleck Talbot in the semi-final of the Scottish Junior Cup, Bluebells midfielder Dougie Cameron steadfastly believes they can overcome the Ayrshire giants whose history in the competition is legendary.

They are the record holders of the competition and seeking a 12th success, whereas the Bluebells’ only final appearance ended in defeat to Tayport in 2005.

Backing Cameron’s case is that en route to the penultimate stage, the Thomson Park outfit have already twice returned victorious from Burns Country.

One big difference is that this is the first leg of a two-legged affair and although they have to travel, Cameron sees no reason why they can’t complete a hat-trick of wins in the west.

He said, “Yes, it is probably the hardest draw and we will start underdogs and people will be writing us off, but, as we have proved this season, we play better against the better teams.”

The former Dundee, Peterhead, East Fife and Montrose defender added: “Our most difficult tie was in the opening round against Armadale which, on paper, should have been the easiest.

“They were a really stuffy side and we only got through thanks to a late Greg Kirk goal.

“Having been well worth our win at Irvine Meadow in the fifth round, we reserved our best for the quarter-final at Beith, who are on a par with Auchinleck.

“But we turned them over 4-1 and it could easily have been more.

“So more of the same would be nice, but we know that it will be a hard, physical battle. But, as with the previous ties, the manager has done his homework and we know what to expect, so have nothing to fear.”

Since joining the Junior ranks, the 35-year-old’s record in the competition has been nothing to write home about, as he said: “I can’t recall going very far, so this is by far the furthest, and hopefully, with the rub of the green, we can go all the way.

“As in the last two rounds, we’ll have a good following and we’ll be going all out to make their journey home a happy one.”

Apart from long-term absentee Kevin Buchan, the Bluebells have no injury concerns and boss George Shields insists they will approach this tie like any other.

He said, “With a pool of 20 guys, some are going to be disappointed, but they understand they’ve all played their part through the season.

“We’re going there looking at it as a one-off match and we’ll try to play it that way.

“It’s key we keep ourselves in the tie because we’re expecting a big crowd at Thomson Park.

“The hospitality went quickly after the draw and there’s been a big interest in the game so we need to have something to play for in the second leg.”