VALE manager Chris Anderson is pulling in favours from his business partner this week ahead of tomorrow's Challenge Cup clash with Upper Annandale.

The Victoria Park boss admits he knows little about the South of Scotland strugglers who will arrive at Victoria Park.

And he's called on his business partner and opposite number at Peebles Rovers, Ger Rossi, for some background help.

Anderson told us: "Peebles played Upper Annandale in a pre-season friendly so I've been picking Ger's brains about them.

"It's difficult when you face a team from another league to gauge how good they will be and find out their strengths.

"This is a good opportunity to reach the third round of the South Challenge Cup and we won't be leaving anything to chance."

Having lost their last two league matches, Annandale have dropped to 11th in the South of Scotland League.

But Anderson isn't taking anything for granted.

He added: "They aren't doing too well but there again we've not started well in the Lowland League.

"Last weekend's win at Gala Fairydean Rovers was the first time this season I've been able to name a full bench.

"The injury crisis is over for us and I'm hoping we can now put a run of results together - continuing with a win in the cup this weekend."

Anderson has signed former club captain Jack Blaikie, who has been playing most recently at Penicuik, as well as former Forfar defender Ally Smith and Stewart Robertson, who previously played with Banks o' Dee.

Both Andy Martin and Tommy Patterson have also returned after lengthy injuries to bolster the Vale ranks.

Anderson's partner Ger Rossi is also preparing his team for a second round clash in the Challenge Cup.

Peebles Rovers will face Heston Rovers.

High-flying Heston are currently third in the South of Scotland League and will arrive at Whitestone Park as slight favourites to reach the third round.

The Peebles v Heston match kicks off at 2.30pm. while Vale of Leithen's tie with Upper Annandale starts at 3pm.