The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Cove’s Mathieson is predicting some historic results
“In recent years we’ve had decent runs, especially two years ago when we lost away to juniors Linlithgow Rose in the third round after knock- ing out another top junior club Whitehill Welfare in a replay.
“We have players who can hurt Auchinleck, such as Davie Allan with his pace, and Richard Macadie, who plays just behind him.
“On their day they can open up any opposing team.” Sixteen Highland League clubs are in action in the first round of the Scottish Cup this weekend.
Last season’s Highland champions Cove Rangers and runners-up Formartine United can rest easy, having progressed to the second round on the back of last season’s league placings.
Cove assistant manager Graeme Mathieson is anticipating mixed fortunes for the Highland clubs this weekend and expects a close contest in Friday night’s encounter between Inverurie Locos and Fraserburgh at Harlaw Park.
He said: “I’m expecting Locos to win that one. Home advantage will be the key and I fancy strikers Chris Angus and Neil Gauld to cause the Broch all sorts of problems.
“In another all-Highland League game, I feel Brora Rangers’ experience will see them through against a young Turriff United outfit at Dudgeon Park.
“Bonnyrigg Rose will be too strong for a youthful Deveronvale, even though Vale are at home, as the juniors have lots of experience in their side.
“The tie between Edusport Academy and Buckie Thistle is tough to call but I will go with Edusport to edge out the Jags at Annan.”
Mathieson expects Forres to return to winning ways against Civil Service Strollers after a run of defeats.
He said: “I’m surprised Forres have lost three on the bounce but I fancy them. Until recently, they have been playing really well, with Stuart Soane scoring loads of goals and Andrew MacRae creating chances.
“Gala Fairydean should beat a young Lossiemouth side and I fancy a draw at Christie Park between two evenly-matched sides when Huntly host East Stirling.
“Fort William have probably the toughest draw of all with a trip to Linlithgow Rose. I can see only the junior side winning that one.
“Nairn County have scored five goals in their previous two home fixtures and they can progress against Beith.
Mathieson is also predicting Rothes will make history by reaching the second round of the Scottish Cup for the first time in the Mackessack Park club’s 80-year history when they host Clach.
He added: “The new players at Rothes are beginning to gel and they have cleared out one or two they were having problems with. I think they will be too strong for Clach.
“I’m going for a Speyside double as Strathspey Thistle should have too much for Coldstream. I was really impressed with the Grantown Jags when we narrowly beat them 3-2 at their place a fortnight ago.
“Even though the game is at Harmsworth Park, I expect Auchinleck Talbot to have far too much experience for Wick Academy, while on Sunday I reckon University of Stirling will be too strong for Keith.”