Highland minnows quids in as Gers visit
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FRASERBURGH chairman Finlay Noble fears his side are on a hiding to nothing against Rangers.
However, he insists a Scottish Cup cash windfall will safeguard his club for years to come.
The Highland League outfit landed the Ibrox side
in a fourth-round draw that also threw up derbies in Lanarkshire and Edinburgh.
Bellslea Park will host top- flight Rangers next month and Noble admits it’s about time some cup luck came Fraserburgh’s way.
He said: “We are under no illusions about this, we will lose the tie for sure, although you never know as anything’s possible. In 1959 we beat Dundee 1-0 and they were on a similar par to where Rangers are now.
“I watched the draw live on my phone and you always hope as we haven’t enjoyed much luck with Scottish Cup draws over the years.
“In 1997 we drew with Whitehill Welfare and the draw was made that night. We were paired with Celtic but we lost the replay so that was that.
“It’s a brilliant tie to land Rangers and we’re delighted as it’s always been our dream to get a plum tie.
“I’ve been associated with the club for 36 years when I started out by cleaning the boots as a 12-year-old. I worked my way up and now I’m the chairman as nobody else wanted to do it.
“But this is going to be the biggest day ever for us, without a shadow of a doubt, it doesn’t get much bigger. We’re happy for the town as the place will be buzzing.
“We’re realistic but we’ve been going well this season so hopefully we will give a good account of ourselves.”
Noble is also adamant Bellslea Park will host the tie despite its tiny capacity and will look to cram in as many fans as possible.
He said: “The rules have been changed for this season. You must play home games at your own ground unless there’s a very good reason not to.
“That would be an objection from the police but we have a safety certificate from the SFA so we are happy with that and we will liaise with the police to try to increase our 1300 capacity.
“We will look to put in some temporary seating or standing areas. We are a club which doesn’t spend much money, we don’t dabble in the transfer much but the money from this tie will stand the club in good stead for years to come.”
Holders Celtic will entertain Championship strugglers Brechin while Hearts will host capital rivals Hibs for the third season in a row with the Leith side winning the past two ties in replays at Easter Road.
Another derby clash has Motherwell at home to Hamilton and the third all- Premiership tie is Kilmarnock v Ross County.
The winner of Montrose’s third-round replay against Queen of the South tonight will host Partick Thistle.
Elsewhere, there are all- Championship ties between Dunfermline and Morton and Livingston and Falkirk. Aberdeen welcome Championship St Mirren with the ties to be played on January 20 and 21.