Rodger hopes United can cause fresh upset when Stenny arrive

Graeme Rodger hopes Formartine United can take another SPFL scalp in the Scottish Cup.

The Pitmedden side welcomes Stenhousemuir of League Two to North Lodge Park on Saturday.

Since 2015 the Breedon Highland League outfit has won five ties against Scottish League opposition.

Midfielder Rodger has been part of all those victories and hopes Stuart Anderson’s revamped Formartine side can add to that tally.

The 31-year-old said: “It’s a new side that’s been built this season, the young lads have been doing really well.

“I’m sure they’re looking forward to this game and the chance to test themselves against a side from a higher level.

“Some of them will have ambitions to play at a higher level in the years to come so it’ll be a good test for them.

“It’s a great game for the club, it’s always good to test yourself against teams from a higher level.

“We’ve got a good record against teams from that level in the Scottish Cup.

“We’ll be underdogs and we’ll show Stenhousemuir respect, but if we play to our potential I don’t see any reason why we can’t advance.”

Rodger is unlikely to start against Stenny as he continues his comeback after three months out with a hamstring injury.

He has featured as sub in United’s last two fixtures and scored in Saturday’s 2-0 win against Strathspey Thistle at Seafield Park.

He said: “I pulled my hamstring and it was quite a bad pull.

“Initially we didn’t think it was too bad, but it wasn’t really improving so it was scanned. That showed it was a bad one.

“I’m trying to build up my fitness at the minute.

“I’ve been doing plenty of training but you need minutes in games to build up.

“It’s just a case of building up my fitness.”