Young Ayr players will relish Marr derby challenge, says coach Adair

Stephen Adair has been on both sides of derby matches between Ayr and Marr in the past and believes today’s Scottish Cup first round tie between the old rivals will be as keenly contested as ever,

Over the years Ayr have usually been favourites when taking on the Troon outfit, but with the majority of the Ayr side that won the cup back in April now with the Ayrshire Bulls Super6 squad, the visitors may be favourites heading into this Millbrae clash.

However, the Ayr Club XV are well coached by Stuart Fenwick, Adair and Robbie Fergusson and will want to show that a National League Division One side can be a match for the Premiership leaders.

Adair began his playing career at Ayr before a stint at Marr and then made a return to Millbrae in a coaching capacity in the summer.

As a result the 32-year-old former hooker is the ideal man to gauge the mood ahead of the Ayrshire derby and he said: “Having been at Marr before and seen their results this season to date we know that they have some good players in their ranks, but so do we and the newer players to this level will get a real buzz playing in front of a big home crowd.

“Nothing beats playing, but seeing young guys working hard and improving every week gives you a great buzz too and the pack has come on massively in recent weeks.”

The other derby match in the first round sees National One Borders rivals Gala and Kelso clash at Netherdale. The sides met in the final 20 years ago, with Gala edging it 8-3.

Hawick have been on a poor run of form of late and will be keen to get back to winning ways at home to Cartha

Queen’s Park. And National One side Heriot’s Blues will be out to cause a shock against top flight GHA at Goldenacre.

With Meggetland unavailable, Boroughmuir take on Jedforest at Myreside, while Currie Chieftains are on the road to Philiphaugh to play Selkirk.

Edinburgh Accies and Musselburgh meet at New Field with Highland and Stirling County Wolves completing the list of sides looking to make the last eight.