Academy manager warns East of Scotland League opposition will be tough
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Manager Gary Manson was relieved to see Wick Academy being handed a home draw in the Scottish Cup – but he warned that the Scorries will be in for a tough tie whichever team they face.
Academy's opponents in the second preliminary round of the national tournament will be either Penicuik Athletic or Musselburgh Athletic, both from the East of Scotland League. The match is scheduled for Harmsworth Park on Saturday, December 12, two weeks after the delayed 2020/21 Highland League season kicks off.
"In normal circumstances you want a home tie to prevent travelling, but even more so in these times," Manson said. "Everything about it is better, so we're pleased to get a home tie first and foremost.
On the face of it, it's a good draw being at home – but we'll be under no illusions that it will be a very, very difficult game.
"You would look at it and think it's a favourable draw. Both of the teams are in the East of Scotland League, which is the level below the Lowland League, but I've spoken to a few people that know these teams and they are of a very high standard.
"We have no doubt it will be a tough game, whoever we get.
"On the face of it, it's a good draw being at home and missing out on all the Lowland League teams that are perhaps of a similar standard to us. But we'll be under no illusions that it will be a very, very difficult game."
Under Scotland's five-tier system of coronavirus restrictions, the Highlands are in level one whereas the central belt is in level three – but Manson has no reason to believe this will pose a threat to the tie taking place.
“My assumption is they wouldn't have made it an open draw if teams weren't allowed to travel," he said. "I have no information confirming that, but I am assuming it will go ahead."
He also hopes spectators will be present for Academy's first home Scottish Cup tie since September 2018.
"I've been told that there will be fans coming in for our first league game at the end of November so I would imagine there will be fans allowed in to the Scottish Cup game,” the manager said.
First preliminary round (ties to be played on Saturday, November 28):
Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale v St Cuthbert Wanderers
Penicuik Athletic v Musselburgh Athletic
Second preliminary round (ties to be played Saturday, December 12):
Banks O'Dee v Vale of Leithen
Blackburn United v Civil Service Strollers
BSC Glasgow v Haddington Athletic
Clachnacuddin v Caledonian Braves
Coldstream v Bo'ness United
Deveronvale v Camelon
Dundonald Bluebell v Easthouses Lily MWFC
Dunipace v Berwick Rangers
East Stirlingshire v Inverurie Loco Works
Edinburgh University v Tranent Juniors
Formartine United v Turriff United
Gala Fairydean Rovers v Wigtown & Bladnoch
Glasgow University v Linlithgow Rose
Hill of Beath Hawthorn v Whitehill Welfare
Huntly v Dalbeattie Star
Jeanfield Swifts v University of Stirling
Keith v Fort William
Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale or St Cuthbert Wanderers v Lossiemouth
Nairn County v Threave Rovers
Newton Stewart v Broxburn Athletic
Newtongrange Star v Rothes
Preston Athletic v Hawick Royal Albert United
Spartans v East Kilbride
Strathspey Thistle v Buckie Thistle
Tynecastle v Cumbernauld Colts
Wick Academy v Penicuik Athletic or Musselburgh Athletic
Highland League champions Brora Rangers and last season’s runners-up Fraserburgh, along with all League Two clubs, will enter the competition in the first round on Boxing Day.
