The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Trophy double trouble
Inverurie Locos striker Chris Angus is confident his side can knock Fraserburgh out of a cup for the second time this season.
Locos edged past the Broch in the preliminary round of the IRN-BRU Cup at Harlaw Park, winning 5-4 on penalties after the sides had drawn 2-2.
A place in the second round of the Scottish Cup is the reward for the team that prevails in tonight’s meeting between the two teams at Inverurie’s Harlaw Park (8pm).
Former Buckie Thistle attacker Angus said: “It’s always a close game between Fraserburgh and ourselves.
“We are evenly matched and I’ve no reason to believe that it’s not going to be just as close again on this occasion.
“We know what each other can bring to the table and I’m expecting an end-to-end encounter.
“When you play in the Scottish Cup you want to go to new places and face teams from other leagues but it’s all about the luck of the draw and this time we’ve been paired at home to a Highland League club we know well.
“At least we are at home and we’re definitely happier with that than we would have been at the prospect of a trip to Bellslea, which has always been a very hostile place to go.
“But I’ve always enjoyed going there as the fans are close to the pitch and you take a bit of stick but I don’t mind that.
“I’m pretty sure the Broch fans will be there in numbers at Harlaw Park to try to recreate that hostile atmosphere.
“I’m really looking forward to the game as I’ve never played on a Friday night under the lights before.”
The Broch reached the fourth round of last year’s competition where they were beaten 3-0 by Rangers at Bellslea.
Fraserburgh assistantmanager James Duthie expects another tight contest against Locos.
He said: “It’s great both teams agreed to play the tie on a Friday night, which add to a tremendous atmosphere.
“I think there will be a bigger crowd – which will benefit both teams.
“Locos have home advantage but, just like in the IRN-BRU Cup, there will be little or nothing between the two sides.
“It could come down to a lucky break, a moment of brilliance or even a mistake, it really is as tight as that.
“It certainly wouldn’t be the worst result if we were to get a draw and take them back to Bellslea.
“We will be without centre half Ryan Christie, who has a knee injury, and striker Graham Johnston, who is serving a suspension after his red card in the Scottish Cup against Rangers last season.”