Falkirk aiming to maintain perfect record and earn seeded draw in knockout stages
Falkirk will clinch a seeded berth in tomorrow’s draw for the knockout ties if they defeat hosts Brechin City and complete Group A with a 100 per cent record.
And manager Peter Houston, pictured right, wants his Bairns to start where they ended against Forfar in midweek. He said: “We played well and earned a 4-0 win on the back of passing the ball well. We are looking for the same style as well as energy and drive, but Brechin will look to frustrate us.”
Ayr United can also book a seeded position if they get the better of Annan, with manager Ian Mccall saying: “Another win would make it a terrific campaign, but it will be difficult as Peter Murphy will have Annan well prepared.”
Albion Rovers will progress to the last 16 if they defeat hosts Queen of the South unless Hamilton succeed by two more goals against Stenhousemuir. Coatbridge manager Brian Kerr said: “We can not get ahead of ourselves and think about qualifying as we are travelling to the home of a well-established Championship side.” The Doonhamers could also top the group, but manager Gary Naysmith said: “We would be in charge if we had won our two penalty shoot-outs. We could now win and not qualify which would be frustrating.”
Morton are looking to get through as one of the best runners up by defeating visitors Edinburgh City but they are set to be six players down.
Gary Harkins is suspended and injuries have ruled out Lee Kilday, Thomas O’ware and Rickie Lamie with Gary Oliver missing due to a virus.
Darren Barr is a doubt and recent Australian recruit James Iredale set for a debut. Manager Jim Duffy said: “It could be a case of needs must against a side that frustrated Motherwell during the week.”
Inverness manager John Robertson is looking for an improved performance against Forfar at Station Park.
He said: “Too many players were waiting for something to happen [against Falkirk] as opposed to making something happen. The desire, the energy and the passion in this game has to be better.”
Peterhead manager Jim Mcinally is determined to enjoy his side’s derby at Elgin, even if Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over Hearts was in vain in terms of progression. He added: “We have an outside chance but this game is a cracker anyway as it is a derby.”
St Mirren cannot progress but their players have been told that there is plenty to play for against visitors Airdrie today.
A 5-0 defeat from Partick Thistle last weekend ended the Paisley side’s interest.
Raith Rovers and Cowdenbeath meet at Stark’s Park with qualification behind them, but Kirkcaldy manager Barry Smith wants a win.
He said: “I want to go into the league campaign with two wins behind us, especially one in a derby.”