Trip down memory lane for Irvine Meadow fans

Nov 14 2008 by John Woods, Irvine Herald

IT’S a trip down Memory Lane for older Irvine Meadow fans after Sunday’s Citylink Scottish Junior Cup third round draw pitted them against old foes Cambuslang Rangers.

The 1973 cup final clash between the pair is the stuff of legend as a battling Meadow side won 1-0 in a second replay at Firhill after the pair had drawn 3-3 in 2-2 in the first games.

That particular Cambuslang team was bidding to become the first to win the Scottish three times in a row and it took a heroic performance from the Irvine outfit to thwart their ambitions.

But evidence of just how good the “Wee Rangers” actually were was shown the following season when they beat Linlithgow Rose to put their name on the trophy again.

Times have changed somewhat now for a Cambuslang side which sits fifth in the Central First Division, but the game should still be an occasion to remember.

“I’m not old enough to remember those games but I know this will go down a treat with the fans,” said Meadow manager Chris Strain.

“However on the whole I’d say it’s a pretty favourable draw – especially after getting the favourites last year and this year.

“We’re no strangers to Somervell Park and I’d rather play there at this time of the season when it’s wet rather than when it’s dry and bumpy.”

Kilwinning Rangers are on their travels again, this time with a potentially dangerous trip to Penicuik.

“They would appear to be a pretty good side and sit third in a very competitive league which includes the likes of Arniston Rangers and Newtongrange Star,” said Buffs Secretary Tommy Moore.

“But there’s a bit of confidence about us right now and we’re beginning to clock up the wins.

“At the moment manager Gary Faulds won’t know too much about them but he’ll approach the tie in a very professional manner and have the team well prepared.

Remaining survivors Dalry Thistle face a trip to First Division Annbank if they can see off Glenafton in Saturday’s replay, but that doesn't worry manager John Garroch.

"We'd be more than happy to go to New Pebble Park but we have to get through first and right now all our thoughts are on Saturday's replay," he said.

“Glens will maybe look at a potential game against Annbank and see it as a chance to go through to the fourth round, but we wouldn’t mind the chance to cause another upset if we get through this weekend.”