They have grown up St Johnstone fans.
But on Tuesday night Elgin City pair Angus Mailer and Jake Dolzanski will be attempting to pile more misery on the Perth club’s Premier Sports Cup campaign.
St Madoes-based Mailer and Dolzanski, from Aberfeldy, reckon they will be facing a Saints side with a point to prove.
Callum Davidson’s men are in desperate need of maximum points at Borough Briggs having opened up Group F with draws against Annan Athletic and Queen of the South
Former Perth High student Mailer, who may be deployed in midfield or defence, told the PA: “St Johnstone haven’t had the best of starts and will be under more pressure being the Premiership team.
“They are coming up to us and ultimately need to win the game if they want to progress. For us, we just need to give it our all, keep a good shape and see if we can take a chance when it comes.
“We need to keep it as tight as we can and make it difficult for Saints. We’ll have a good local backing.”
Mailer has followed Saints since he was a little kid and his dad and grandad will be travelling north for the fixture.
He explained: “I was a season ticket holder at Saints since I was four years old, until I went to university and started playing Saturdays.
“I went to every game I could before that. It’s going to be a great experience for me and Jake. Our dream was probably to play for St Johnstone but the next thing is to play against them.
“We travel up to games together and have been speaking about this game since the fixtures came out.
“I was hoping it would be a Saturday so the fans could make a day of it. A Tuesday night can be difficult if people are working. I know a few boys coming up and I’ll have my dad and grandad there too.
“They will want me to win and do well, but are season ticket holders at St Johnstone as well. It’s a funny one for them.”
Centre-half Dolzanski, who recently signed for Elgin from Jeanfield Swifts, should be available for action after recovering from a slight ankle issue.
“Playing a Premiership club is a big deal for Elgin,” he said. “These are the games you want to play in.
“With myself being a St Johnstone fan and from the Perth area, it makes it extra special.
“Saints haven’t started too well but I think they will come out of the blocks flying on Tuesday. I think they have a point to prove and we need to be ready for it.”
In years gone by Dolzanski remembers cheering Stevie May’s goals at McDiarmid Park. Now his job could be to prevent him finding the net.
Dolzanski said: “It would be quite a surreal moment playing against Stevie May. He has been a hero of mine for years. I’m sure it will be a great experience and a very tough test.”
Like Mailer, Dolzanski will have some Saints-supporting pals at the game.
He said: “A couple of my pals, as well as family, are coming to the game and I’m not quite sure who they are supporting. My pals are Saints fans so there are some split loyalties.”
