Shotts boss John McKeown has accused cup opponents Dundonald Bluebell of being ‘cute’ and forcing them to play their tie tonight after refusing to hold the clash on Gartcairn’s artificial surface.
When it became obvious that Hannah Park was going to be unavailable for Saturday’s South Challenge Cup third round tie, and Dundonald’s park was out of use, Shotts hired MTC Park in Airdrie, thinking it was the perfect solution.
However, Bluebell refused to play the tie because it isn’t on a grass surface, like the tie would originally have been.
That means Shotts having to travel through to Cardenden in Fife on a midweek after work, and McKeown’s squad will be depleted.
However, he hopes it makes the players even more determined to reach the fourth round.
He said: “It was strange. We assumed if we could get another venue that was suitable it would be fine, as long as it was within North Lanarkshire.
“We went and booked Gartcairn’s park, paid the money for it, not realising that they had a decision that they could refuse to play the game.
“I could understand if it was a blaes pitch and it was inferior for our level of football, but Gartcairn play there every week and it’s a great set up.
“But because it wasn’t the same surface they were allowed the choice and knocked it back, which was quite annoying, to be honest.
“It’s really disappointing, because now we need to go to Fife on a Wednesday night.
“I don’t know if that’s maybe been part of it, they’ve maybe known that would be the case, and they’ve been cute about it.
“We’ll be going there with a patchwork squad now, that’s for sure, and I think the committee were considering withdrawing from the competition.”
McKeown added: “I just think it’s really disappointing and needs to be looked at, those rules, because that’s a bit of a shambles.
“It’s not the West of Scotland League, but that cup, that’s just crazy. Most games on grass around the country were off on Saturday, at senior level.
“I’m pretty sure that they play on astroturf pitches from time to time in their own league, and I’m 99 per cent sure that they will train on it, so I don’t see what the issue was.”
McKeown hopes those who are able to play the tie will be extra fired up for the occasion.
He said: “You could say it would make them more fired up than they would have been – I know I would be if I was a player and I was being dragged through there on a Wednesday night, when I know there was a perfectly good venue sitting idle on the Saturday.
“We trained on the pitch to prepare for Wednesday night, so the boys are a bit annoyed – and rightly so – so hopefully we can go, be professional and do a job on Wednesday night.”
Following that, Shotts host Thorniewood United in a derby clash in the West of Scotland League First Division, and it’s one McKeown is relishing.
He said: “Thorniewood are a good side as well and they beat us the last time, albeit we had a lot of injuries.
“They are a good side and are well organised, but hopefully we can go and avenge the result earlier on in the season.
“We’ll take care of Wednesday and roll on to Saturday.”
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