Ayr Utd warned they could be on end of cup shock

Nov 28 2008 by Mike Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

MINNOWS Lochee United have warned Ayr United they’re gunning for a Scottish Cup shock and vowed: We’re out to win.

Boss Ray McKinnon, who played under Brian Clough and Jim McLean, admits his east junior champions are massive underdogs to spring an upset.

But he pledged: “We’re going into the game with every intention of winning. It will be a huge ask as Ayr are flying and potentially a Premier League side if they go up.

“The task is huge but everybody has a chance in a one-off game. We’ll have to be at our very best and Ayr at their worst to have a chance but you never know.”

Ayr have had Lochee watched and boss Brian Reid stresses there is no room for complacency. He said: “It’s a big game and we have to make sure that we are in the next round.

“Lochee will raise their game so we must be prepared to battle in a typical cup tie. If we win the battle, then I am confident our superior quality should see us through.

“Our scouts have looked at them but I am disappointed I have not had the chance to see them myself. But rest assured, they will not be underestimated.”

Reid added: “I know we will take a big support and our travelling fans have been magnificent all season. But I am disappointed that we managed only 1250 at home. We’re scoring goals and giving good entertainment so I would love to get a few more along to Somerset Park.”

Neil McGowan will be disciplined for his red card in Saturday’s 4-2 win over East Fife which has given Ayr a 12 point play-off cushion. He was also reported for comments as he left the field and has landed a two game ban.

While he is eligible to play on Saturday, he is struggling because of a thigh strain. The only other doubt is skipper Chris Aitken (calf).

Another worry is that Ryan Stevenson, who scored his first ever headed goal against the Fifers, is only one booking from a two match ban.

Reid said: “We could be down to 17 players which leaves us with problems if we run into injuries and suspensions. There might be one or two leaving in January so I’ll need to speak to the chairman about bringing in a couple.

“I would hate to see our good work slip because we don’t have a big enough squad because I don’t think we’ll ever have a better chance.”

Meanwhile, Saturday’s tie at trim Thomson Park will be under the glare of Sky TV cameras. Club secretary Larry Duncan said: “It’s a historic occasion, our first ever tie in the senior Scottish Cup, but our real bread and butter is the following Saturday when we play Arthurlie in the Junior Cup.

“There is huge interest locally and we’re expecting a crowd of between 1500 and 2000.”

Lochee’s task is tougher with the absence of central defenders Colin Watson (broken ankle) and Greg Kirk (ankle ligaments).

Bus times for Lochee: Steamboat Tavern at 9am. Seats, price £10, from John Grigor (tel: 07903 561025). Ship Inn bus leaves at 10am. Seats from 885766.

Bookies make Ayr hot favourites to win Saturday’s tie. You can have a best 2/7 with bet365 while William Hill make them a 1/4 shoe-in.