Leonard taps into Sir Alex’s example as Irvine travel to Brora

After two rounds of preliminary skirmishes, the Scottish Cup comes alive this afternoon with 18 ties being played.

Highland and Lowland League clubs as well as representatives from the Junior, Amateur, South and East of Scotland ranks aim to take one step closer to Hampden.

Ayrshire Juniors Girvan will make an 11-hour, 560-mile round trip to Brora Rangers. Manager Peter Leonard is looking to use skills he learned from four-time winner Sir Alex Ferguson to defeat the Highland League side.

Leonard spent six seasons at St Mirren during the 1970s, four of them under the guidance of the manager who would lead Aberdeen to four successes before heading to further glory at Manchester United.

Leonard said: “I was a midfielder at Saints but I was in the queue for a game behind Billy Stark, Tony Fitzpatrick and Lex Richardson. They were terrific players which meant I only got an outing if one of them was injured.”

“However I learned so much from Sir Alex about tactics. I also know that if they don’t work then a good bit of bawling and shouting can be used. However, that is not a route you can use too much now.”

As for the long trip north Leonard said: “The players headed north by train and will spend Friday night in a hotel. I will go up with the club officials on Saturday morning, the bus leaving at 6am.”

“It will be a long day but fair play to the club as they are doing everything properly for the players.”

Brora boss Ross Tokely, pictured, said: “We are in a good run of form and I have lots of options up front so I am looking forward to the game. Girvan will get our full respect as they are playing at a good level.”