DARIO LOVES A TASTY CHALLENGE
Gone is the mountain of caramel wafers but trophy treat two years running would be no less sweet for Zanatta
DARIO ZANATTA admits he’s had a love affair with the Challenge Cup ever since it was sponsored by Tunnock’s Caramel Wafers.
The Hamilton ace enjoyed sweet success in the competition with Raith last season but got the taste for it years earlier when every round came packed with a mountain of the treats.
Now he’s hoping to give his old side something to chew over in Sunday’s showpiece as he looks to sink his teeth into a Rovers team still containing a number of players he gorged on success alongside last year.
It might be known as the SPFL Trust Trophy now but Canadian playmaker Zanatta said: “I love this competition.
“I remember when it was the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup and you got a mountain of chocolate bars after the game!
“Those things are delicious. I’d never had them growing up, they’re a bit different. There was a big box of them after the game and, I’ll be honest, I took a few of them home. Lovely!
“Last year’s final was a highlight of my career. It was the first cup final I’ve played in, the first one I got to win.
“We mentioned in the dressing room only four or five of us have been in a cup final. It’s going to be an experience for everyone. “Hopefully I’l be able to say I’ve won it twice now.” Zanatta isn’t the only member of Accies’ side who lifted the trophy with Raith last season.
Reghan Tumilty is in the same boat and Zanatta added: “We are friends with a good few of the Raith boys and there’s plenty of banter that is there.
“I’m still good mates with Aidan Connolly, Tom Lang and Brad Spencer.
“I travelled with them last season and still keep in contact.
“Some of us will be winning it two years in a row. Hopefully it’s me and Regs.”
Accies are also embroiled in a pressure-filled relegation scrap in the Championship.
And darts-daft Zanatta has revealed John Rankin’s side have been lining up at the oche to help ease the tension heading into Sunday’s trip to Falkirk Stadium.
The 25-year-old says regular darts competitions have helped keep them sharp.
Now he’d love to land a double almost 12 months on from coming off Rovers’ bench to help beat Queen of the South 3-1. He said: “We had two or three tournaments so far with the staff all involved, there are odds on the table for who’s going to win and it’s pretty serious.
“Everyone loves wee bonding sessions like that. It’s a good changing room with no cliques.
“Sunday is a good distraction from the league.
“Hopefully there’s going to be a good turnout of fans.
“Last year was a huge moment for the Raith supporters.
“Hopefully it can have the same impact with our fans this year.
“If we win this, then maybe more will want to come back out and watch the league games. That will give us a push going into the end of the season.”