Gordon Pope has urged his Whitletts players to rise to the occasion as they chase a first ever place in the Scottish Cup, writes Mike Wilson.
Vics will edge closer to a joust with the senior big guns if they beat Renfrew in the final of the Strathclyde Demolition Cup at Benburb tonight (kick off 7.30pm).
The winners will play-off against the victors of the equivalent cups in the east (Luncarty) and South of Scotland (Abbey Vale or Creetown) for a place in the prestige tournament next season.
It’s Whitletts’ first non South Ayrshire Cup final in 33 years and they’re looking to follow in the footsteps of holders Drumchapel United, who they beat 4-0 in the quarter-finals.
Drumchapel made it to the last 32 of the Scottish Cup before losing out to Elgin on Tueday night.
Renfrew are sitting top of the WoSFL Second Division but have drawn their last two matches while Whitletts are adrift at the foot of the First Division but with games in hand.
The Strathclyde Cup, which was entered by 20 teams, is for WoSFL clubs who are not SFA licensed or do not compete in the Scottish Junior Cup. It provides a qualifying route for the 2023-24 Scottish Cup.
Boss Pope said: “It’s a great opportunity for the boys to show what they can do. It’s a massive opportunity to get into the Scottish Cup and the potential is huge.
“Vics in the Community are running buses and the whole club has got together. It’s going to be a great night for us.”
Vics booked a third round trip to Threave Rovers in the South Challenge Cup after beating Lesmahagow 3-0 last midweek with goals from Jason Walker (2) and Jamie Henderson.
A new signing is 18-year-old midfielder Brandon Holland, the son of Vics legend Lee Holland, a former player of the year and long serving stalwart.
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