The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Balmoor skipper inspired by some special memories
Peterhead: McCracken sees no reason why Buchan men can’t upset Raith
Peterhead captain David McCracken is hoping to create some more special Scottish Cup memories this weekend.
The 36-year-old defender was part of the Falkirk side that reached the final in 2015, losing 2-1 against Caley Thistle.
The Blue Toon take on Raith Rovers in a tricky third-round tie at Balmoor this afternoon but McCracken sees no reason why his team can’t cause an upset.
He said: “This is a big game for us. Raith Rovers
“We are at home so we really have to use that to our advantage”
have been scoring a lot of goals this season.
“But we were on a good run before last week’s defeat against Stenhousemuir in the league.
“We are at home this weekend so we really have to use that to our advantage. I have had some great memories in the Scottish Cup.
“Going on a good run in the competition doesn’t come along too often.
“If we can do that this season then it would be brilliant.”
Peterhead’s four-game winning run came to an end with a 3-2 home reverse against Stenhousemuir at Balmoor.
Midfielder Jack Leitch and former Cove Rangers defender Jason Brown got the goals for the Blue Toon but McCracken conceded the winning penalty for the Ochilview side, which was coolly slotted away by League Two’s top scorer Mark McGuigan just nine minutes from time.
The defender added: “Last week’s game was very frustrating.
“You could say we never gave ourselves a chance as we conceded some disappointing goals. We also felt some of the decisions went against us. We definitely thought we should have had a penalty during a period when the momentum was with us.
“Unfortunately it went against us.
“Apparently the referee said there was a touch but it was definitely accidental.
“I don’t know how that works. If I accidentally kick somebody as I’m tracking back towards goal it will still be a free kick.
“We managed to get back into it but then conceded again.
“We have plenty to work on but there were positives to take from the game.
“We scored some good goals and we showed plenty of drive and commitment.”
“Felt some of the decisions went against us”