NEW COIN HOLDINGS CUP FINAL History not on his side... but Downsylooks to turn the tide
AS YOU might expect there is West of Scotland Cup history between famous old Junior clubs Arthurlie and Kilwinning Rangers.
And that rivalry will undoubtedly be to the fore when the two sides clash in the final of the New Coin Holdings sponsored competition tomorrow.
Indeed, their locking of horns at Newlandsfield is sure to evoke many pleasant memories for older Ayrshire fans who will recall their club’s last appearance in a West Final occurred in their all-conquering 1999 season.
Goals from legendary hitman Norman Montgomery and current Auchinleck Talbot boss Tommy Sloan enabled the Buffs to run out 2-1 winners over – who else – Arthurlie.
And neither is the significance of the venue and opposition on this Junior showpiece occasion likely to be lost on Kilwinning boss Chris Strain.
He was on the scoresheet when securing the first of his three West winner’s gongs in 2005 playing for unfancied Troon Juniors in a memorable 4-3 triumph over Arthurlie.
By a twist of fate, Lie’s own present-day manager Robert Downs’ netted a brace of goals that day only to finish on the losing side, but earning a consolation in the shape of the sponsors’ Man-of-the-Match award.
Downsy has drawn on that losing experience in preparing his players for the big day.
Last night he said: “I’ve been reminding the guys that Arthurlie’s higher league status counted for nothing on the day back then and I don’t see it having any bearing on how things pan out tomorrow.
“This is a one-off cup final where anything can happen on the day and my players will certainly need to be near their best if they are to grab this opportunity to get hold of one of the game’s big silverware prizes.
“Kilwinning Rangers are an up and coming side with terrific forward-going players.
“But I’d like to think our own striking talent are no slouches in the goalscoring stakes so it promises to be a fascinating contest.”
SUSPENSION rules out goalkeeper Mikey White and young midfielder Alan McPherson, while Craig Palmer is cup-tied and Kyle Rafferty looks a certain nonstarter with a knee injury.
However, Downs reports his playing squad to be in better fettle than in recent weeks.
“Getting players back available again after injury absences is a marvellous boost, not least because they are bursting a gut to get involved in the action and prove a point,” he said.
“Our playing numbers had been threadbare to the extent that my No.2 Stevie Aitchison has filled in as a substitute on occasions. In fact, I think it was the prospect of running out at his old ground wearing an Arthurlie shirt that made him fly out on holiday earlier this week.”
On a more serious note, Downsy admitted he will not consider his side’s season to be a success even if they are fortunate enough to come out on top and clinch a sixth West trophy triumph.
He said: “I can hardly say otherwise given we are in the position of needing Hurlford United to beat Shotts Bon Accord tomorrow for us to avoid being involved in a play-off double-header against Rob Roy next week.
“Trying to imagine how I’ll feel if things don’t go our way is almost impossible, but I would think any celebrations – if the cup was won – would be muted in the extreme given that our Super Premier Division status would be at risk.”
THE Southside arena is a “happy hunting ground” for Kilwinning gaffer Strain, who featured in seven cup finals there during his playing career and only finished on the losing side once – Irvine Meadow’s 1-0 defeat by Ashfield in the 2012 Evening Times Cup Final.
He said: “Newlandsfield lends itself to these big-game occasions and I’m hoping my players revel in the atmosphere and do themselves proud as they have all season.
“To win the New Coin Hold- ings Cup would provide the icing on the cake for all their efforts.
“And we’ll certainly be having a go at Arthurlie because quite simply we don’t know how to play any other way.”
Meanwhile, a hastilyarranged fixture addition to tomorrow’s card has Auchinleck Talbot travelling through for an Ayrshire Cup semi-final tilt against Irvine Vics looking to secure a final place against Hurlford United.
Meanwhile, Yoker’s midweek defeat of Dunipace leaves the Euroscot Eng Central League Cup semi-finals shaping up as Yoker v Blant yre Vics or Carluke Rovers and Thorniewood Utd v Vale of Clyde or Cumbernauld Utd.