Saturday 12 January 2008 (all times local)
12:45 Clyde – Dundee Utd
15:00 Airdrie Utd – Kilmarnock
15:00 Celtic – Stirling
15:00 Cove Rangers – Ross County
15:00 Falkirk – Aberdeen
15:00 Hamilton – Brechin
15:00 Hearts – Motherwell
15:00 Hibernian – Inverness CT
15:00 Huntly – Dundee
15:00 Livingston – Cowdenbeath
15:00 Morton – Gretna
15:00 Partick – Dunfermline
15:00 Queen of the South – Linlithgow Rose
15:00 St Johnstone – Raith Rovers
15:00 St Mirren – Dumbarton
Sunday 13 January 2008
15:00 Rangers – East Stirling
Clyde – Dundee Utd
Clyde (D1 9th) gaffer and Scotland legend Colin Hendry will hope for a lunchtime shock as we get Round Four underway at Broadwood. The game is televised, representing a big payday for the First Division outfit.
It was here that Celtic fell two years ago in an upset that sent shockwaves around the world. The current Bully Wee side may feature different personnel – but they are still a young, hungry outfit.
Dundee United (SPL 5th) have been inconsistent in the SPL after a sizzling start. The Arabs tumbled out at this stage last year and have lost 4 of their last 5 league games.
Boss Craig Levein will hope to have enough firepower to progress this year whilst he steps up the search for a new striker.
Airdrie Utd – Kilmarnock
Airdrie Utd (D2 3rd) rose from the ashes of now defunct Airdrieonians, who were traditionally cup specialists.
"It's a fantastic competition. We were unlucky at this stage last year against Motherwell and unfortunate not to take Partick to a replay in the CIS Cup this season," gaffer Kenny Black told the Daily Record. "We have shown we can compete against higher opposition."
Kilmarnock (SPL 9th) are an SPL side who’ll be glad to have a cup distraction, having won once in ten league games. However, they were stunned 3-1 by Morton last season.
"We seem to be meeting teams in these cup competitions who are high and flying," boss Jim Jeffries admitted to the BBC.
Mehdi Taouil has boosted Killie by agreeing to stay ’til the end of the season, while striker David Fernandez is a former Airdrieonians player.
Celtic – Stirling
Celtic (SPL 2nd) are the holders, having scraped past St Johnstone in the last year’s semis, en route to pipping Dunfermline 1-0 in the final. With a Champions League last 16 berth in the bag again this year, the cup-savvy Hoops can be confident.
Transfer window signing Andreas Hinkel is set to make his debut after signing from Sevilla. Defender Bobo Balde, though, is set for Bolton.
Stirling Albion (D1 10th) will enjoy a bit of added glamour by staying in a 5-star hotel ahead of the Parkhead test, courtesy of a generous resort manager.
Defender Paul Nugent made his senior debut at Celtic Park six years ago, enduring an 8-0 CIS Cup spanking.
"You always want to play against the best players, so I'm looking forward to it," Nugent admitted. "And when you think of it, 7-0 will be an improvement from the last time.
"I don't think I will be looking for a Celtic jersey at the end of the game though," he continued. "I don't think any of the Celtic players would want mine - and anyway, I think we only have one set of strips."
The Binos trounced Stranraer 6-0 away in the last round to set up a dream meeting with the Glasgow giants.
Cove Rangers – Ross County
Cove Rangers (HFL 2nd) have scored nine without reply in the previous rounds. The Highland League outfit have also scored 18 goals in their last three league games.
Cove secretary Duncan Little summed up the admirable attitude of the club.
"Of course, I’d love it if we won," said Little. "But that’s not why I’m in the game. Football should be about friendship and enjoyment, rather than win-at-all-costs, and that’s what life is generally about in the Highland League."
Ross County (D2 1st) are themselves a product of the Highland League, joining the SFL in 1994. Incidentally, they never beat Cove away during their Highland League years.
County leapfrogged Raith to the top of the Second Division at the weekend in their bid to bounce straight back to the First after relegation last term. They have won four of their last five.
Falkirk – Aberdeen
Falkirk (SPL 6th) drew 0-0 at home with Aberdeen last week. They won’t fear the rematch, though, as they outplayed their guests despite having 10-men for most of the match.
Steven Thomson and Pedro Moutinho should return after bouts of flu, but the Bairns will sweat over Michael Higdon’s injured knee.
Aberdeen (SPL 4th) were looking good until this week. After setting up a UEFA Cup last-32 date with Bayern Munich and enjoying an SPL revival, the Dons were filled with optimism.
However, a showdown with a host of contract rebels finally turned sour, with Chris Clark and Michael Hart set for Plymouth Argyle in a £375K cash-in. Zander Diamond, though, has offered some hope by signing a new deal at Pittodrie.
Hamilton – Brechin
Hamilton (D1 1st) are the mid-season First Division pacesetters and must be dreaming of top flight football for the first time in 20 years. They will be hoping to improve upon a 4-2 defeat by Livingston in the Third Round last year.
Journeyman striker Richard Offiong is the Accies’ major threat, having netted 13 goals already this season.
Brechin (D2 7th) needed a replay to dispose of East Fife in the last round. They went out via replay last year, losing to Cowdenbeath. They also lost 6-1 on aggregate in the Second Division play-offs last year.
The Hedgemen are resurgent in the league of late, though, scoring 17 goals en route to winning four of their last five games.
Hearts – Motherwell
Hearts (SPL 11th) are bang in the middle of a crisis. The team who split the Old Firm two seasons ago are now languishing second bottom in the SPL. The Jambos also won the Scottish Cup that season, beating then Second Division Gretna.
Mauricio Pinilla faces time on the sidelines with a knee ligament problem, but Eggert Jonsson should return after a lay-off. Caretaker boss Stevie Frail is also waiting on the fitness of Christian Nade and Andrew Driver.
The loose cannons of Edinburgh have racked up 8 red cards this season.
Motherwell (SPL 3rd) are playing their first match since the death of skipper Phil O’Donnell. At the behest of the players, the Steelmen will wear special jerseys embroidered with O’Donnell’s signature. There will also be a special edition of the match programme honouring the fallen player.
Motherwell were flying in the league before tragedy struck at the end of the 5-3 win over Dundee Utd. It’s difficult to say how Mark McGhee’s men will react to playing their first game of the year under such emotionally trying circumstances.
Hibernian – Inverness CT
Hibernian (SPL 8th) welcome new boss Mixu Paatelainen back to Easter road. How the home crowd would love to see an instant impact, with their Hibees in an almighty funk – winning just one of their last twelve.
This Hibs squad is still packed with talent, though, and many of the players tasted success last year in winning the League Cup. The game comes too soon for injured starlet Steven Fletcher, but David Murphy is still at the club after a £1m Birmingham bid was rejected.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle (SPL 7th) may only be one place above Hibs in the SPL table, but their momentum couldn’t be any greater. Caley have won 7 of their last 9, with boss Craig Brewster and Marius ‘the sergeant’ Niculae picking up the monthly prizes for December.
Before reaching the top flight, the Highland club made a name for itself by eliminating Celtic from this competition in 2000 and 2003. They were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Celtic in the Fifth Round last season, having led for most of the game.
Huntly – Dundee
Huntly (HFL 6th) are one of two Highland League sides to reach this stage.
Like his Cove counterpart, Huntly secretary Brien Ross outlined the gulf between some of the teams competing in the cup this year.
"Our players are only on a very basic wage plus expenses, but they’re a great bunch of lads." Ross revealed. "They train twice a week, and it can be a struggle making that commitment, plus all the travelling for matches as well, when they all hold down full-time jobs. They deserve some recognition, and it would be great if they could achieve some against Dundee."
Dundee (D1 2nd) won the cup once in 1909/10. They came close to a second after a glory run in season 2002/03, but lost 1-0 to Rangers in the final.
Financial troubles saw the fallen giants leave the top flight in 2005, but boss Alex Rae has shrewdly assembled a capable squad and the Dee are breathing down the necks of leaders Hamilton in a bid to return to the SPL.
His main focus right now is bolstering the squad further, but failing to beat Huntly would nevertheless make this the shock of the round. Unless East Stirling destroy Rangers at Ibrox...
Livingston – Cowdenbeath
Livingston (D1 8th) are frustrated at present, as their SFA imposed signing ban prevents any additions during the transfer window. An appeal failed this week.
Since morphing from Meadowbank Thistle to Livingston FC in 1995, the club has enjoyed one cup success – a League Cup triumph in 2004.
Livi went out to Celtic at this stage last year. However, they beat Alloa 4-0 in the last round, while a 6-1 demolition of 10-men Morton at the weekend will have lifted spirits at Almondvale.
Cowdenbeath (D2 8th) ended a run of four defeats with a home win against Ayr last weekend. The Blue Brazil will be hoping for a scalp when they travel to Livingston – a game made possible by Cowden’s 1-0 Third Round victory at Arbroath.
With just two wins in their nine away league games this season, and no cup silverware in their 127 year history, few punters will fancy an away win here.
Morton – Gretna
Morton (D1 7th) survived a Third Round scare after letting a two-goal lead slip against Highland League side Buckie Thistle. Chris Templeman’s last gasp goal proved to be the winner in a 3-2 escape.
The Ton have had a respectable – if uninspiring – return to the First Division following several seasons in the SFL wilderness. A 6-1 weekend humbling at Livingston did little to raise spirits at Cappielow, but new signing Ryan McGuffie could be fired up to face his recent former employers.
Gretna (SPL 12th) are unlikely to record a song to commemorate the SPL relegation dogfight (which at this point consists of Gretna alone) as they did during their legendary run to the Scottish Cup final in 2006.
The Black and Whites are all too familiar with Morton – and vice versa – as the SPL rookies won a Second Division title race with the Ton during that same season. At that point they were ‘Living The Dream’, but last term they exited the cup at this stage. During rebuilding for the top flight, many of those fairytale princes have left the Borders club.
Despite being the basement boys of the top flight, their SPL status makes them massive favourites for the trip to Greenock. Morton enjoy the highest attendances outside the top division, with a cracker in store.
Partick – Dunfermline
Partick Thistle (D1 6th) haven’t won in five First Division games, but a 2-1 victory over plucky Ayr secured their passage to Round Four.
They face their divisional rivals Dunfermline, who are two places above them. The Jags won their only Scottish Cup in 1921. Furthermore, Firhill can be a difficult place to come when the crowds are in.
Dunfermline (D1 4th) were relegated from the SPL last season. They expected to bounce back instantly under talented Irish boss Stephen Kenny. However, a dismal start to the season saw Kenny sacked, to eventually be replaced by veteran player Jim McIntyre.
Dunfermline have already suffered defeat in the Challenge Cup final and UEFA Cup qualifying rounds. Their league form has significantly improved, though, with the East End Park side now looking to close the gap on the leading pack.
Queen of the South – Linlithgow Rose
Queen of the South (D1 5th) made the draw after winning 5-0 at Peterhead. They came from behind last weekend to beat Clyde 3-1, making it three wins from their last four.
Veteran midfielder Stevie Tosh is appalled that his side have to play Junior side Linlithgow at all. ‘Junior’ refers to the level of football, as opposed to age group.
"If I'm being perfectly honest, I think it's a disgrace that they are in the cup," the 34-year-old told the BBC. "It's a gimmick from the SFA and it's just ridiculous."
"Without being disrespectful to the Junior clubs, I can't see them winning the cup, so why are they in it?"
Linlithgow Rose (SJF ERSL 5th) are the last survivors of the highly controversial pilot project, in which four Junior sides entered the First Round draw. They are the reigning SJFA Eastern Region Super League champions, as well as Scottish Junior Cup winners last term.
Opinion is split on the inclusion of such clubs. In a nutshell, this is because the Junior leagues aren’t part of a cohesive pyramid system linked to the SFL, and also due to different league regulations – the lack of a transfer window, for example.
Leaving that debate for the aftermath, though, this is a very interesting clash for the neutrals. The experiment could have disastrous results for QOTS, who are in for a football culture shock.
St Johnstone – Raith Rovers
St Johnstone (D1 3rd) have already secured the first silverware of the Scottish season: the Challenge Cup. They beat Dunfermline 3-2 at Dens Park, Dundee in November – scoring three goals in the opening half-hour.
McDiarmid Park is an SPL caliber stadium and Saints will be hoping to get to the latter stages of the tournament in order to capitalise on gate receipts.
The club performed superbly last term, without much reward. They reached the semi-finals of the Scottish and League Cups – beaten by Celtic and Hearts respectively – before losing out on promotion to the SPL on the last day of the season.
Raith Rovers (D2 2nd) Are one of the better supported clubs outside of the SPL and Rovers will be hoping to take a sizable away support to Perth.
They have only lost one of their last six league games – allowing them to keep place with Second Division leaders Ross County. They thumped Threave Rovers 5-0 to reach this stage.
Due to boss John McGlynn’s SPL contacts, they have two on-loan top-flight attackers in David Goodwillie from Dundee United and David Templeton from Hearts.
St Mirren – Dumbarton
St Mirren (SPL 10th) have managed to halt a recent slump of late, losing only once in four matches. Boss Gus MacPherson has had many frustrations this season, not least their shock CIS Cup exit.
"I've not had to drum into them what happened against East Fife," MacPherson said. "They've talked about it themselves; we don't need to remind them."
"It's very difficult to suddenly flick and switch and play again. You need to prepare and be mentally ready for every single game as though you're playing an SPL club."
Injury-plagued Craig Dargo is likely to start, as is recent signing Andy Dorman, from MLS outfit New England Revolution.
Dumbarton (D3 9th) are second bottom of the entire SFL system. The Sons’ last game was called off due to unplayable conditions, so they should be raring to go. They shrugged off Berwick in the last round.
Defender Craig Potter is the brother of Saints’ John. The clubs have a firm bond – regularly playing in pre-season – but have not met competitively in over a decade.
Rangers – East Stirling
Rangers (SPL 1st) have not won the Scottish cup since 2003, crashing out in the Third Round last time at the hands of Dunfermline.
The Gers suffered Champions League pain in December after dropping into the UEFA Cup following a 3-0 home defeat to Lyon. Since then, though, the Gers have found good form to rise to the SPL summit.
Boss Walter Smith looks set to feature youth ahead of a hectic schedule which will see the Glasgow side play six additional midweek games in the next seven weeks. Youngsters Dean Furman and Giorgos Efrem are named in the squad for the sole Sunday game, with fringe players Alan Gow and Kirk Broadfoot also in with a chance.
Rangers and Scotland skipper Barry Ferguson is determined not to take the minnows lightly.
"It will obviously be a big game for the boys at East Stirling," stated Ferguson. "In fact, it will probably be the biggest they will ever play in.
"This is a once in a lifetime chance for them to come to Ibrox and they will give 110% to try and cause an upset. We can't take them lightly."
East Stirlingshire (D3 8th) are the usual whipping boys of the Scottish Football League system. In fact, due to a new initiative, if they finish bottom of the Third Division this season the club will be reduced to ‘Associate Member’ status and face being voted out of the league.
Early this season, though, The Shire won six games in a row, before beating Albion 5-1 to set up the trip to Ibrox. This is their longest run in the competition for a staggering 30 years. Thus, a win here would surely be given miracle status.
12:45 Clyde – Dundee Utd
15:00 Airdrie Utd – Kilmarnock
15:00 Celtic – Stirling
15:00 Cove Rangers – Ross County
15:00 Falkirk – Aberdeen
15:00 Hamilton – Brechin
15:00 Hearts – Motherwell
15:00 Hibernian – Inverness CT
15:00 Huntly – Dundee
15:00 Livingston – Cowdenbeath
15:00 Morton – Gretna
15:00 Partick – Dunfermline
15:00 Queen of the South – Linlithgow Rose
15:00 St Johnstone – Raith Rovers
15:00 St Mirren – Dumbarton
Sunday 13 January 2008
15:00 Rangers – East Stirling
Clyde – Dundee Utd
Clyde (D1 9th) gaffer and Scotland legend Colin Hendry will hope for a lunchtime shock as we get Round Four underway at Broadwood. The game is televised, representing a big payday for the First Division outfit.
It was here that Celtic fell two years ago in an upset that sent shockwaves around the world. The current Bully Wee side may feature different personnel – but they are still a young, hungry outfit.
Dundee United (SPL 5th) have been inconsistent in the SPL after a sizzling start. The Arabs tumbled out at this stage last year and have lost 4 of their last 5 league games.
Boss Craig Levein will hope to have enough firepower to progress this year whilst he steps up the search for a new striker.
Airdrie Utd – Kilmarnock
Airdrie Utd (D2 3rd) rose from the ashes of now defunct Airdrieonians, who were traditionally cup specialists.
"It's a fantastic competition. We were unlucky at this stage last year against Motherwell and unfortunate not to take Partick to a replay in the CIS Cup this season," gaffer Kenny Black told the Daily Record. "We have shown we can compete against higher opposition."
Kilmarnock (SPL 9th) are an SPL side who’ll be glad to have a cup distraction, having won once in ten league games. However, they were stunned 3-1 by Morton last season.
"We seem to be meeting teams in these cup competitions who are high and flying," boss Jim Jeffries admitted to the BBC.
Mehdi Taouil has boosted Killie by agreeing to stay ’til the end of the season, while striker David Fernandez is a former Airdrieonians player.
Celtic – Stirling
Celtic (SPL 2nd) are the holders, having scraped past St Johnstone in the last year’s semis, en route to pipping Dunfermline 1-0 in the final. With a Champions League last 16 berth in the bag again this year, the cup-savvy Hoops can be confident.
Transfer window signing Andreas Hinkel is set to make his debut after signing from Sevilla. Defender Bobo Balde, though, is set for Bolton.
Stirling Albion (D1 10th) will enjoy a bit of added glamour by staying in a 5-star hotel ahead of the Parkhead test, courtesy of a generous resort manager.
Defender Paul Nugent made his senior debut at Celtic Park six years ago, enduring an 8-0 CIS Cup spanking.
"You always want to play against the best players, so I'm looking forward to it," Nugent admitted. "And when you think of it, 7-0 will be an improvement from the last time.
"I don't think I will be looking for a Celtic jersey at the end of the game though," he continued. "I don't think any of the Celtic players would want mine - and anyway, I think we only have one set of strips."
The Binos trounced Stranraer 6-0 away in the last round to set up a dream meeting with the Glasgow giants.
Cove Rangers – Ross County
Cove Rangers (HFL 2nd) have scored nine without reply in the previous rounds. The Highland League outfit have also scored 18 goals in their last three league games.
Cove secretary Duncan Little summed up the admirable attitude of the club.
"Of course, I’d love it if we won," said Little. "But that’s not why I’m in the game. Football should be about friendship and enjoyment, rather than win-at-all-costs, and that’s what life is generally about in the Highland League."
Ross County (D2 1st) are themselves a product of the Highland League, joining the SFL in 1994. Incidentally, they never beat Cove away during their Highland League years.
County leapfrogged Raith to the top of the Second Division at the weekend in their bid to bounce straight back to the First after relegation last term. They have won four of their last five.
Falkirk – Aberdeen
Falkirk (SPL 6th) drew 0-0 at home with Aberdeen last week. They won’t fear the rematch, though, as they outplayed their guests despite having 10-men for most of the match.
Steven Thomson and Pedro Moutinho should return after bouts of flu, but the Bairns will sweat over Michael Higdon’s injured knee.
Aberdeen (SPL 4th) were looking good until this week. After setting up a UEFA Cup last-32 date with Bayern Munich and enjoying an SPL revival, the Dons were filled with optimism.
However, a showdown with a host of contract rebels finally turned sour, with Chris Clark and Michael Hart set for Plymouth Argyle in a £375K cash-in. Zander Diamond, though, has offered some hope by signing a new deal at Pittodrie.
Hamilton – Brechin
Hamilton (D1 1st) are the mid-season First Division pacesetters and must be dreaming of top flight football for the first time in 20 years. They will be hoping to improve upon a 4-2 defeat by Livingston in the Third Round last year.
Journeyman striker Richard Offiong is the Accies’ major threat, having netted 13 goals already this season.
Brechin (D2 7th) needed a replay to dispose of East Fife in the last round. They went out via replay last year, losing to Cowdenbeath. They also lost 6-1 on aggregate in the Second Division play-offs last year.
The Hedgemen are resurgent in the league of late, though, scoring 17 goals en route to winning four of their last five games.
Hearts – Motherwell
Hearts (SPL 11th) are bang in the middle of a crisis. The team who split the Old Firm two seasons ago are now languishing second bottom in the SPL. The Jambos also won the Scottish Cup that season, beating then Second Division Gretna.
Mauricio Pinilla faces time on the sidelines with a knee ligament problem, but Eggert Jonsson should return after a lay-off. Caretaker boss Stevie Frail is also waiting on the fitness of Christian Nade and Andrew Driver.
The loose cannons of Edinburgh have racked up 8 red cards this season.
Motherwell (SPL 3rd) are playing their first match since the death of skipper Phil O’Donnell. At the behest of the players, the Steelmen will wear special jerseys embroidered with O’Donnell’s signature. There will also be a special edition of the match programme honouring the fallen player.
Motherwell were flying in the league before tragedy struck at the end of the 5-3 win over Dundee Utd. It’s difficult to say how Mark McGhee’s men will react to playing their first game of the year under such emotionally trying circumstances.
Hibernian – Inverness CT
Hibernian (SPL 8th) welcome new boss Mixu Paatelainen back to Easter road. How the home crowd would love to see an instant impact, with their Hibees in an almighty funk – winning just one of their last twelve.
This Hibs squad is still packed with talent, though, and many of the players tasted success last year in winning the League Cup. The game comes too soon for injured starlet Steven Fletcher, but David Murphy is still at the club after a £1m Birmingham bid was rejected.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle (SPL 7th) may only be one place above Hibs in the SPL table, but their momentum couldn’t be any greater. Caley have won 7 of their last 9, with boss Craig Brewster and Marius ‘the sergeant’ Niculae picking up the monthly prizes for December.
Before reaching the top flight, the Highland club made a name for itself by eliminating Celtic from this competition in 2000 and 2003. They were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Celtic in the Fifth Round last season, having led for most of the game.
Huntly – Dundee
Huntly (HFL 6th) are one of two Highland League sides to reach this stage.
Like his Cove counterpart, Huntly secretary Brien Ross outlined the gulf between some of the teams competing in the cup this year.
"Our players are only on a very basic wage plus expenses, but they’re a great bunch of lads." Ross revealed. "They train twice a week, and it can be a struggle making that commitment, plus all the travelling for matches as well, when they all hold down full-time jobs. They deserve some recognition, and it would be great if they could achieve some against Dundee."
Dundee (D1 2nd) won the cup once in 1909/10. They came close to a second after a glory run in season 2002/03, but lost 1-0 to Rangers in the final.
Financial troubles saw the fallen giants leave the top flight in 2005, but boss Alex Rae has shrewdly assembled a capable squad and the Dee are breathing down the necks of leaders Hamilton in a bid to return to the SPL.
His main focus right now is bolstering the squad further, but failing to beat Huntly would nevertheless make this the shock of the round. Unless East Stirling destroy Rangers at Ibrox...
Livingston – Cowdenbeath
Livingston (D1 8th) are frustrated at present, as their SFA imposed signing ban prevents any additions during the transfer window. An appeal failed this week.
Since morphing from Meadowbank Thistle to Livingston FC in 1995, the club has enjoyed one cup success – a League Cup triumph in 2004.
Livi went out to Celtic at this stage last year. However, they beat Alloa 4-0 in the last round, while a 6-1 demolition of 10-men Morton at the weekend will have lifted spirits at Almondvale.
Cowdenbeath (D2 8th) ended a run of four defeats with a home win against Ayr last weekend. The Blue Brazil will be hoping for a scalp when they travel to Livingston – a game made possible by Cowden’s 1-0 Third Round victory at Arbroath.
With just two wins in their nine away league games this season, and no cup silverware in their 127 year history, few punters will fancy an away win here.
Morton – Gretna
Morton (D1 7th) survived a Third Round scare after letting a two-goal lead slip against Highland League side Buckie Thistle. Chris Templeman’s last gasp goal proved to be the winner in a 3-2 escape.
The Ton have had a respectable – if uninspiring – return to the First Division following several seasons in the SFL wilderness. A 6-1 weekend humbling at Livingston did little to raise spirits at Cappielow, but new signing Ryan McGuffie could be fired up to face his recent former employers.
Gretna (SPL 12th) are unlikely to record a song to commemorate the SPL relegation dogfight (which at this point consists of Gretna alone) as they did during their legendary run to the Scottish Cup final in 2006.
The Black and Whites are all too familiar with Morton – and vice versa – as the SPL rookies won a Second Division title race with the Ton during that same season. At that point they were ‘Living The Dream’, but last term they exited the cup at this stage. During rebuilding for the top flight, many of those fairytale princes have left the Borders club.
Despite being the basement boys of the top flight, their SPL status makes them massive favourites for the trip to Greenock. Morton enjoy the highest attendances outside the top division, with a cracker in store.
Partick – Dunfermline
Partick Thistle (D1 6th) haven’t won in five First Division games, but a 2-1 victory over plucky Ayr secured their passage to Round Four.
They face their divisional rivals Dunfermline, who are two places above them. The Jags won their only Scottish Cup in 1921. Furthermore, Firhill can be a difficult place to come when the crowds are in.
Dunfermline (D1 4th) were relegated from the SPL last season. They expected to bounce back instantly under talented Irish boss Stephen Kenny. However, a dismal start to the season saw Kenny sacked, to eventually be replaced by veteran player Jim McIntyre.
Dunfermline have already suffered defeat in the Challenge Cup final and UEFA Cup qualifying rounds. Their league form has significantly improved, though, with the East End Park side now looking to close the gap on the leading pack.
Queen of the South – Linlithgow Rose
Queen of the South (D1 5th) made the draw after winning 5-0 at Peterhead. They came from behind last weekend to beat Clyde 3-1, making it three wins from their last four.
Veteran midfielder Stevie Tosh is appalled that his side have to play Junior side Linlithgow at all. ‘Junior’ refers to the level of football, as opposed to age group.
"If I'm being perfectly honest, I think it's a disgrace that they are in the cup," the 34-year-old told the BBC. "It's a gimmick from the SFA and it's just ridiculous."
"Without being disrespectful to the Junior clubs, I can't see them winning the cup, so why are they in it?"
Linlithgow Rose (SJF ERSL 5th) are the last survivors of the highly controversial pilot project, in which four Junior sides entered the First Round draw. They are the reigning SJFA Eastern Region Super League champions, as well as Scottish Junior Cup winners last term.
Opinion is split on the inclusion of such clubs. In a nutshell, this is because the Junior leagues aren’t part of a cohesive pyramid system linked to the SFL, and also due to different league regulations – the lack of a transfer window, for example.
Leaving that debate for the aftermath, though, this is a very interesting clash for the neutrals. The experiment could have disastrous results for QOTS, who are in for a football culture shock.
St Johnstone – Raith Rovers
St Johnstone (D1 3rd) have already secured the first silverware of the Scottish season: the Challenge Cup. They beat Dunfermline 3-2 at Dens Park, Dundee in November – scoring three goals in the opening half-hour.
McDiarmid Park is an SPL caliber stadium and Saints will be hoping to get to the latter stages of the tournament in order to capitalise on gate receipts.
The club performed superbly last term, without much reward. They reached the semi-finals of the Scottish and League Cups – beaten by Celtic and Hearts respectively – before losing out on promotion to the SPL on the last day of the season.
Raith Rovers (D2 2nd) Are one of the better supported clubs outside of the SPL and Rovers will be hoping to take a sizable away support to Perth.
They have only lost one of their last six league games – allowing them to keep place with Second Division leaders Ross County. They thumped Threave Rovers 5-0 to reach this stage.
Due to boss John McGlynn’s SPL contacts, they have two on-loan top-flight attackers in David Goodwillie from Dundee United and David Templeton from Hearts.
St Mirren – Dumbarton
St Mirren (SPL 10th) have managed to halt a recent slump of late, losing only once in four matches. Boss Gus MacPherson has had many frustrations this season, not least their shock CIS Cup exit.
"I've not had to drum into them what happened against East Fife," MacPherson said. "They've talked about it themselves; we don't need to remind them."
"It's very difficult to suddenly flick and switch and play again. You need to prepare and be mentally ready for every single game as though you're playing an SPL club."
Injury-plagued Craig Dargo is likely to start, as is recent signing Andy Dorman, from MLS outfit New England Revolution.
Dumbarton (D3 9th) are second bottom of the entire SFL system. The Sons’ last game was called off due to unplayable conditions, so they should be raring to go. They shrugged off Berwick in the last round.
Defender Craig Potter is the brother of Saints’ John. The clubs have a firm bond – regularly playing in pre-season – but have not met competitively in over a decade.
Rangers – East Stirling
Rangers (SPL 1st) have not won the Scottish cup since 2003, crashing out in the Third Round last time at the hands of Dunfermline.
The Gers suffered Champions League pain in December after dropping into the UEFA Cup following a 3-0 home defeat to Lyon. Since then, though, the Gers have found good form to rise to the SPL summit.
Boss Walter Smith looks set to feature youth ahead of a hectic schedule which will see the Glasgow side play six additional midweek games in the next seven weeks. Youngsters Dean Furman and Giorgos Efrem are named in the squad for the sole Sunday game, with fringe players Alan Gow and Kirk Broadfoot also in with a chance.
Rangers and Scotland skipper Barry Ferguson is determined not to take the minnows lightly.
"It will obviously be a big game for the boys at East Stirling," stated Ferguson. "In fact, it will probably be the biggest they will ever play in.
"This is a once in a lifetime chance for them to come to Ibrox and they will give 110% to try and cause an upset. We can't take them lightly."
East Stirlingshire (D3 8th) are the usual whipping boys of the Scottish Football League system. In fact, due to a new initiative, if they finish bottom of the Third Division this season the club will be reduced to ‘Associate Member’ status and face being voted out of the league.
Early this season, though, The Shire won six games in a row, before beating Albion 5-1 to set up the trip to Ibrox. This is their longest run in the competition for a staggering 30 years. Thus, a win here would surely be given miracle status.
No comments:
Post a Comment