Tranent v Forfar Athletic – match preview

The ‘Loons’ head to the Lothians for the second Saturday running, on this occasion on a mission to reach the fourth round of the Scottish Gas sponsored Scottish Cup.

The Athies in fact last reached that stage of the national tournament in the Spring of 2021, the season truncated in all regards by covid and of course no supporters were allowed access into the bargain. Their opponents this time round currently occupy fifth place in the Lowland League table, but do have games in hand on all the teams above them.

Forfar manager Ray McKInnon was obviously disappointed with the end result and aspects of the overall performance up at Elgin on Tuesday evening, when a great opportunity was squandered to open up a reasonable gap points wise at the foot of the table.

The showing on the night also came as a surprise to the fans who made the midweek trip north, in light of the excellent team performance at Bonnyrigg four days before.

The management team and the players though are eagerly looking forward to a return to Scottish Cup action at Foresters Park on Saturday, in fact a quote from training on Thursday evening, they cannot wait!

Adam Hutchinson who went off injured at half time at Boroughbriggs will require assessment, while of course Rory MacLeod is not permitted to play in the cup by parent club Dundee United.

Kieran Inglis who returned to active service in the second period at Elgin came through the 45 minutes unscathed and is a possible for a starting berth in the tie.

The home side have quite a few players in their squad with SPFL experience including former Brechin striker Cammy Ross who netted four goals in the 7-0 thrashing of East Kilbride in the last round.

Kallum Higginbotham, Broque Watson, Euan Bauld, Dean Brett and Jackson Mylchreest are amongst the others who have sampled the game at a higher level. Tranent were actually in cup action last weekend as well, reaching the fifth round of the South Challenge Cup with a comfortable 5-0 away win at Lugar Boswell Thistle.

The ‘Loons’ players will go into the contest against the ambitious home side managed by former Berwick boss Ian Little knowing that they will have a torrid ninety minutes in front of them and realising that only their best on the day will do.

They showed grit and determination aplenty in the last round to finally overcome a gutsy Huntly outfit and similar reserves may well be required this Satuday.

The players received superb backing at New Dundas Park last weekend and hopefully those making the journey to what is a new venue for the Athies will get right behind Andy and the boys from the off.

Scott Lambie is the man in the middle.

The tie will have the normal 3p.m. kick-off and the clubs have agreed the following admission charges;-
Adults £12
Concessions £8
12/16 year olds £5
Under 12’s free

There will be cash turnstiles available on the day, but tickets can also be purchased in advance through the Fanbase website.

The other Scottish ties this weekend are;- Friday evening – Clyde v Jeanfield Swifts, Dunfermline Athletic v Raith Rovers
Saturday – Albion Rovers v Bonnyrigg Rose, Annan Athletic v Dumbarton, Brora Rangers v Pollok, Broxburn Athletic v Buckie Thistle, Cumnock v Broomhill, Dunbar United v Alloa, Falkirk v Formartine United, Morton v Boness United, Hamilton Accies v Kelty Hearts, Inverness CT v Cowdenbeath, Montrose v Edinburgh City, Partick Thistle v Queens Park, Peterhead v Ayr United, Queen of the South v Dundee United, Stirling Albion v Cove Rangers, Stranraer v Airdrieonians, The Spartans v Arbroath

Scottish Cup Fourth Round Draw – The draw for the fourth round, the stage at which the Premiership clubs enter the fray will be made live on Sportscene on the BBC Scotland channel on Sunday evening at approx 7.45p.m.