Published: Friday, 19th September, 2008 12:30
Vale boss weighs up his cup options
By David Knox
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DESPERATE Vale of Leithen manager Lindsay Rathie is willing to give up home advantage before next week’s Scottish Cup match.
There’s only eight days until the Innerleithen side travel to Glasgow University looking for a place in the second round of the tournament.
And none of his players have kicked a competitive ball for a fortnight due to the weather.
Rathie has contacted this tomorrow’s South Regional Cup opponents Edinburgh City and offered to switch the tie if Victoria Park is unplayable.
He told the Peeblesshire News: “We trained on Monday and the pitch was like a swamp.
“Our last two games have been off because of the weather and we need a game before the Scottish Cup. If we have to play at Edinburgh City then that’s what we’ll do.
“We all badly need some match practice.”
Vale’s silver lining to their poor start to the season, which has seen them without any points from their opening three league games, came on their last trip to Glasgow last month where they beat the Students 3-2.
And Rathie hopes to return to winning ways before they hit the M8 next Saturday.
He added: “We gave Edinburgh City a good game last season in the cup and there’s no reason we can’t do so again. I’d love to have another win under our belts before the Scottish.”
Vale have signed former Leith Athletic player Craig Dewar but former Hibs striker Gerry Rossi has left Victoria Park for Brechin City.
The suspended Ron Fleming misses tomorrow’s match as well as striker Chris Grahame.
Peebles are turning to youth in their bid to end a run of defeats.
Whitestone Park boss Gary French has promoted 16-year-old Sam Jordan to tomorrow’s first-team squad to face Lothian Thistle.
French told us: “Sam has done well and deserves a shot with the first team.
“We have not had a great start to the season but most of our defeats have come in cup competitions - this is only our second league game.
“We will be close to full strength for the game but we know it will still be hard.”
One doubt for French’s team is Stevie Richardson who has a hamstring injury.
Vale’s home match with Edinburgh City and Peebles’ trip to Saughton both kick off at 2.30pm.
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