Boal: My boys will push Ayr all the way
President Boal realistic about chances
Ayr United have been warned that they face a “characterbuilding” Scottish Cup test.
Beith supremo John Boal says Bellsdale Park’s infamous nine- foot slope will push Ian McCall’s side all the way.
Club president Boal said: “The ground certainly has a slope, but it also has a very good playing surface.
“I think Ayr will agree with that as it will be pristine for their visit.
“As long as we equip ourselves well, I’ll be happy.”
Ayr go in as strong favourites for the historic all- Ayrshire clash.
But Boal said: “It’s going to be great for us having a team of this stature coming to Beith.
“Games like this are a free hit as there’s no pressure on us.”
John Boal admits he had mixed feelings when his side were drawn in a historic tie against Ayr United in the Scottish Cup.
The Beith Juniors Club President is relishing the tie, which will be the first between an Ayrshire Senior and Junior side.
But he insists there’s no way The Mighty are getting ahead of themselves.
Boal, who was born in the town, said: “When the draw was made I was delighted as it’s the highest ranked team in the draw we could have got.
“But at the same time I am somewhat apprehensive, they’re a very good team - you’re not going to be at the top of the Championship for no reason.
“We aren’t just stepping up a level – we are stepping up several levels.
“But it’s good for the town, especially as history is being made.
“As long we acquit ourselves well I’ll be happy, we are not getting ideas above our station that it’s going to be a big cup shock.
“It’s going to be great for us having a team of this stature coming to Beith. But games like this are a free hit, as there’s no pressure on us.”
He added: “It gives us a bit of publicity too, it helps put the club on the map which is vital.
“We would love to win – we can always dream... but we know our place.”
The away side had fears over safety at first.
But after extensive discussions between the clubs and police, the necessary measures to get the game on were taken.
And Boal, 68, was delighted with how the Honest Men handled the situation.
He said: “What I would like to say is that Ayr United have been tremendous to deal with. They are really nice, down- to- earth people – they couldn’t be more helpful and I am very impressed with them.”
Boal reckons this is the most glamorous tie he will have ever been involved in at Bellsdale Park.
He said: “People will say the Morton and Airdrie games were big in the Scottish Cup, and we have had big league games.
“But Ayr United are an Ayrshire team.
“Also I have a soft spot for Ayr, I used to watch them when I was a wee boy – but of course I won’t be rooting for them on Saturday!
“But I hope they go on and win the league.”
United boss Ian McCall is no stranger to Bellsdale.
Also I have a soft spot for Ayr... but of course I won’t be rooting for them on Saturday! John Boal