Swifts on the brink of first round proper
JEANFIELD V STIRLING UNI
Riverside Stadium, Saturday, 12.30pm
It could be one of the most historic and special moments in the club’s history.
And on Saturday afternoon Jeanfield Swifts manager Ross Gunnion is determined to lead his side into the first round proper of the Scottish Cup.
Swifts are on the cusp of doing just that and have this week been preparing for a preliminary round two tie at home to Stirling University.
The Lowland League visitors will present a stern test and sit sixth in the table having won six of their 12 fixtures to date.
While it is very much a case of one game at a time, Gunnion and his players have dreams of piecing together a memorable cup run.
Last season they were knocked out at this stage by Linlithgow Rose but confidence is high ahead of this weekend.
“Last year we did well in the first preliminary round and went to Linlithgow for what we thought was a winnable game,” Gunnion said. “We had shown that we could beat them in the league.
“So there was a disappointment in the way it finished for us.
“The plan is to go one step further, win this game to get into the first round proper and then take it from there.
“I think in modern times it would be the biggest achievement from any part-time club in this area.
“And it would certainly be one of the biggest highlights in our club’s history.”
Swifts do not need to look far for inspiration. Broxburn Athletic, familiar opponents of Jeanfield in the East of Scotland League, made it to the fourth round last term before losing to St Mirren.
And Penicuik Athletic’s journey came to an end at the third round stage when they were defeated by Partick Thistle.
Gunnion added: “You look at what Broxburn did last year and that has to be an aspiration for us to emulate.”
On Stirling University, who Swifts played in a friendly at the start of the season, Gunnion said: “The friendly against Stirling Uni probably only told us how they want to play.
“That day they were missing two or three of their better players. They look very strong this year already.”
Swifts have a number of members in their squad who have previous experience of playing in the Scottish Cup. And that can only help.
“We’ve added another with SPFL experience in Keiran Stewart,” Gunnion said. “There’s no doubt about it, we’re a stronger prospect this year than last.
“And I think that is evident in our league position. The players are a year more experienced and are more comfortable with how we play and what we expect.
“They are also comfortable with their team-mates. This team, for the most part, has been together for around two and a half years.”
On the injury front, Scott Smith will miss the big game as he continues his recovery from a broken bone in his hand.
But apart from that Gunnion should have a strong squad to select from.
“Scott remains out and that will be the case for another four weeks,” Gunnion told the PA.
“He is not allowed to train for another couple of weeks. It will probably be until after Christmas before he plays.
“Chris Dodd was going to get at least one, maybe two training sessions through the week. Fingers crossed that everyone is fighting fit.”