Look no further than your own gaffer

Dow hopes his success story can inspire Farmer’s Boys

Neilston boss John Paul Dow got to within touching distance of Scottish Cup glory during his playing days.

A midfielder for unfancied Largs Thistle, he ultimately had to make do with a runners- up medal as they were swept aside by Linlithgow Rose in the final.

But that run showed him anything is possible after Largs compounded their critics to go all the way before falling at the last hurdle.

And as the Farmer’s Boys start their Scottish Cup bid this afternoon away to Perthshire outfit Scone Thistle, Dow says his players need to believe.

He told Express Sport : “There is no doubt about it, it can be done.

“We had a fantastic run with Largs. It was great and it gave the whole team and the town a lift.

“People said we wouldn’t make the final and a lot of those said we weren’t good enough to get there but we just kept going and going.

“In the end we lost 1-0 in the final and gave a great account of ourselves. The Scottish Cup is the pinnacle of the juniors and the players should have butterflies today even if it is just the opening round of games.

“We just need to point at Wishaw last season, who are in the same league as us, with them getting to the semi final.

“It is not unthinkable that we could do the same.”

Neilston have adapted well to life in the Championship following their promotion from League One last season.

A good start to the campaign had them challenging near the top of the table, however they have now gone four games without a win.

And Dow believes this weekend will give them a welcome break from league action to focus their attentions elsewhere.

He added: “It has probably came at the right time because we haven’t been playing great.

“It gives the boys something else to think about and not worry about the league for a week.

“You get a lift going to different teams, playing against sides that you wouldn’t normally come up against.

“It is exciting and it’s a challenge but one that I am sure they are all looking forward to.”

The Farmer’s Boys will be without the suspended Simon McBryde for the trip to Farquharson Park, while Euan Clark and Daryl Convery remain injury doubts.

But having had an eye on opponents Scone, Dow remains confident of Neilston being in the hat for the next round.

He said: “We are having to deal with the suspension and then we will have a look at Euan and Daryl closer to kick-off.

“We have done our usual research and Scone look a well-drilled outfit that have a good set-up down there so it should be a good one.”