Sinnet to take on Spartans once more

SPARTANS have been handed another tough draw in this season's Scottish Cup when they travel to meet top Juniors club Pollok at Newlandsfield in the first round scheduled for Saturday, September 27.

Last season Spartans were beaten by Scottish Junior Cup holders Linlithgow Rose who were then managed by Jim Sinnet who is now, ironically, the boss of Pollok.

Mike Lawson, the Spartans co-manager, said: "It is not the tie we wanted because obviously they are a top junior side. However, it give Spartans the chance to redress the balance after losing to Linlithgow Rose at the same stage last season.

"As a team we let ourselves down that day so we now have a chance to prove to people that Spartans can play. This is the plum draw of the round and is the kind of game we all want to be involved in."

Pollok are a well supported club and had a crowd of over 700 at the weekend when they beat Arthurlie 5-1 with dangerman Bryan Dingwall scoring twice.

Preston Athletic will meet Gala Fairydean at the Pennypit and manager Stevie Myatt was happy with the draw and said: "I am delighted that we are at home. We have avoided some big clubs although we cannot afford to be dismissive of any team because our form is not good.

"We have a chance to prepare properly but before then we have three huge games to concentrate on."

Edinburgh University, who defeated Highland League runners up Keith in last season's competition, have drawn Civil Service Strollers at home. "We are pleased with the draw because there is no travelling involved," said the University had coach Dougie Samuel. "The Strollers have made some good signings and will be going for promotion."

Keith Stewart, the Strollers manager, said: "It is not a bad draw although I do not know too much about the University this season."
Edinburgh City have been paired with Highland League side Nairn County at Meadowbank Stadium. "My immediate reaction is that it is a hard draw against a team which has been doing well this season," said City boss Shaun Steven. "Nairn appear to be an attacking team and it will be difficult for us."

Scottish Cup, first round draw – ties to be played on Saturday September 27: Rothes v Buckie Thistle; Golspie Sutherland v Threave Rovers; Banks O'Dee v Fort William; Lochee United v Bathgate Thistle; Selkirk v Coldstream; St Cuthbert Wanderers v Wick Academy; Fraserburgh v Hawick Royal Albert; Newton Stewart v Brora Rangers; Huntly v Girvan; Pollok v Spartans; Edinburgh City v Nairn County; Inverurie Loco Works v Deveronvale; Dalbeattie Star v Lossiemouth; Edinburgh University v Civil Service Strollers; Preston Athletic v Gala Fairydean; Wigtown & Bladnoch v Forres Mechanics; Clachnacuddin v Burntisland Shipyard; Glasgow University v Vale of Leithen.