It's a long way from Innerleithen to the Highlands. And this weekend Vale of Leithen make such a trip, travelling to face Inverurie Loco in the third round of the Scottish Cup, writes John Slorance.
In doing so the Victoria Park outfit have the opportunity to turn the many miles that they cover into golden ones.
A victory at Inverurie would put Vale into the fourth round of the Scottish – the round that the big boys begin to play, bringing th
e chance to make dreams come true.
It’s a massive game for the Borders and no-one knows this more than the Vale themselves.
Co-manager Lynsay Rathie told TheSouthern: “I won’t need to raise the players for this match. They know what it is all about, and know what they have to do.
“It’s a great chance for us to really do something by getting into the next round.
“A good draw could see the boys playing against their heroes, and it’s all very exciting.”
Rathie added: “Our coach, Jack Diamond, went to watch Inverurie. They are a good side, have an excellent park, and a nice little stadium – but they are beatable.
“We are the outsiders and are on a hiding to nothing, but that suits us just fine.
“We are playing a lot better now, starting to get results and play the football I know we are capable of.”
Vale leave on Friday with a full-strength squad, and will be staying overnight in a hotel.
On the East of Scotland first division scene, Kelso United meet Leith Athletic away from home.
Recently appointed United co-manager Gary Fraser told us: “Leith are a bit inconsistent. However they beat us 6-0 the other week, but we contributed to our defeat by losing some bad goals.
“We desperately need to end our losing streak. When we lose a goal and fall behind our heads seem to drop. And this is something we really have to work on, and will be doing.”
The Tweedsiders are still without the suspended Derek Burnett and have Paul Dumma doubtful through a groin injury. Daniel Rennie, however, returns to the side.
Hawick Royal Albert hit the road to tackle Ormiston in a bottom-of-the-table encounter at Recreation Park. The Albert have still to record a win this season and Hawick manager Tom Blaikie told us: “Ormiston are a place above us in the league, but it doesn’t matter who we play – we need to start winning.
“There was an improvement last Saturday against Tynecastle as we fought well and scored four times, but we gave away goals through basic errors.”
Hawick parade newcomers Michael Robinson and James Falconer from Berwick United.
Peebles entertain Heriot-Watt University at Whitestone Park in the premier league.
Selkirk travel to Shielfield Park for a tricky East Cup semi-final tie against SFL Third Divsion side Berwick Rangers. Gala Fairydean have no fixture.
The full article contains 503 words and appears in Southern Reporter newspaper.
