Third attempt at Scottish Junior Cup ties.

Dec 12 2008 Irvine Herald

HOPEFULLY it will be third time lucky this weekend as Irvine Meadow and Kilwinning Rangers make fresh attempts to play their outstanding Citylink Scottish Cup third round ties.

Under competition rules if the games at Cambuslang and Penicuik don’t go ahead this weekend they will then be switched to Irvine and Kilwinning, but the local sides would much rather get the games played this weekend than suffer another Saturday of enforced idleness.

Good news for Meadow fans is that the cancellations may have given long-term injury victim Gavin Friels the chance to return at Cambuslang while Buffs may spring a surprise by throwing newly-signed keeper Gavin Hill straight into the fray at Penicuik.

Ardeer Thistle boss Peter Kean felt his side had done well in the 4-2 defeat from Whitletts and were a bit unlucky to go down.

“We started the game very well with Greg Kean taking his goal well and Derek Gemmell hitting the post but when Whitletts took the lead just after the break they really pressed the game

“The we went for broke in the last ten minutes, left too many spaces at the back and were punished for it.”

Ardeer face another difficult task on Saturday when they entertain local rivals Winton Rovers.

Meanwhile Dalry Thistle are down to play Blantyre Vics in a West of Scotland Cup tie again but, with Merksworth Park still doubtful, West Region bosses have moved the game to Blantyre in the hope of getting it played.

"It's disappointing to have to give up home advantage but everyone is fit and I'm hopeful we can come back with a win," said manager John Garroch.

Dalry have placed defender Fraser Murray on the transfer list, interested clubs should contact the manager or secretary on 01294 833288.