Ayrshire teams will be looking to continue their exciting adventures in the Senior Scottish Cup this weekend as the second round takes centre stage.
Lowland League West sides Troon, Largs Thistle and Cumnock, alongside West of Scotland League First Division side Bonnyton Thistle, are in action at this stage of the competition, having earned their place through historic triumphs last time out.
The first round marked an inaugural appearance for both Troon and Largs in September, with wins away at Deveronvale and Gala Fairydean Rovers, respectively.
Stephen Swift’s Cumnock battled to a 2-0 win in the televised fixture against bitter rivals Auchinleck Talbot as Kilmarnock-based Bonnyton knocked out East Stirlingshire of the Lowland League East.
Being part of famous cup escapades against Ayr United and Hearts, former Talbot man Gordon Pope will be hoping he can carry his experience with his Bonnyton side in their clash against Highland League Side Clachnacuddin at Townholm.
Following Thistle’s victory over East Stirlingshire in the previous round, he said: “We strive to be the best we can be, and it’s good that we can get a draw at home. That would build on the games before against Camelon and Tweedmouth, who were really good sides.
“Getting more people through the gate will be great for us, even with the town having a strong Kilmarnock following. But we are starting to see more fans turn up week in week out, even seeing youngsters in attendance which is great to see, and it’s just about building on that.”
Thistle will be hoping to make up for their exit from the South Challenge Cup last week as they went down 2-1 at home to newly promoted fourth division side St Patricks.
TEAM GAME: Bonnyton Thistle celebrate a goal against East Stirlingshire in the first round (Image: Bonnyton Thistle FC)
KEEPING THE HEADS UP
Stuart Davidson’s Largs Thistle will be looking to bounce back from their midweek league defeat to Pollock at the Billy Gilmour Stadium in Ardrossan.
The Theesel were reduced to 10 men before the break when captain Creag Little was sent off for a second bookable offence with his side already a goal down.
A Kieran Brady goal drew the contest level on 65 minutes before late strikes, including a free-kick, ended a seven-game unbeaten run for the Barrfields men.
Despite Tuesday’s loss, Largs boss Davidson knows his players need to focus on the bigger picture come Saturday’s encounter with Dunipace.
Speaking to Now Ayrshire ahead of Saturday’s trip to the Forth Valley, Davidson said: “At this point, it’s the biggest game of the season in terms of the club and the prestige of this cup. We won’t let our heads go down after the game there, even though I thought we fought and maybe at one point should have got something from it.
“We’ll be ready to go on Saturday again. We’ll lick our wounds and get back into training, and I know the boys will be looking to make up for it and obviously make history for the club also by getting into that third round.”
An early goal from Liam McVey saw Largs progress to the second round against Gala Fairydean Rovers at Netherdale on 3 October.
KEEP IT UP: Largs boss Stuart Davidson lead the celebrations at Gala Fairydean in the previous round (Image: Largs Thistle Football Club)
PUTTING A RUN TOGETHER
Jimmy Kirkwood’s Troon come into their encounter with fellow Lowland League West side Caledonian Braves on the back of three straight victories in all competitions.
The Seasiders recorded a 3-2 victory up at Banff against Deveronvale, a 2-1 win in the South Challenge Cup against West Park United, and, most recently, a 2-1 win over Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill on this run.
Speaking to Now Ayrshire, Troon boss Kirkwood understands the magnitude of the occasion that can “capture the imagination”.
He said: “This game is massive, having already made a name for ourselves with the win up at Deveronvale, making history, and we’ll have the aim of doing that again.
“It’s a massive day for the club and for the town also, as we hope for a big turnout for the occasion. The priority is of course to go out and try and win the game, although we know that Caley Braves have started the season really well, and they have exceptional players.
“For a team like Troon to get past this round and potentially get the likes of Ayr United, or even Dunfermline. in the next round would be great for the Ayr, Prestwick and Troon area.”
A Jack Allan double and a Leyton Dunlop spot kick was enough for Troon to advance in their debut fixture in the competition’s first round at Princess Royal Park earlier this month.
WINNING RUN: Troon in action against Albion Rovers last weekend (Image: Troon Football Club)
ALL ROADS LEAD TO RAYDALE
Cumnock head for the border as they face Gretna 2008 at Raydale Park following their previous success against Talbot.
Stephen Swift’s men have recorded a home league loss to Renfrew and a Scottish Communities Cup win over Forth Wanderers since their derby success at Townhead on 9 October.
Speaking to club media looking ahead to their trip south, Nock boss Swift said: “We’ve worked hard, and you could see that going by the televised game against Talbot when we fought tooth and nail to get in the next round. Drawing Gretna being in the same league, it’s going to be tough.
“Being away from home, we have to be on it and have to be better. The boys realise that we have to be better, but it’s a fresh start this coming game, and we’ll be raring to go.”
This upcoming fixture marks the first competitive meeting between the Nock and their Dumfries and Galloway opponents.
UP AND WIN: Cumnock defend an attack against rivals Auchinleck Talbot in the first round derby (Image: ajkmedia via TikTok)
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