A fundraising fancy-dress party is being held in the Ex-Servicemen’s Club on Saturday night - just 14 hours before the Alex Jack Cup final kicks off.

But the boss, who has already guided his team to the top of the East First Division this season, isn’t taking any chances with his witch-like wingers or ghoulish goalie.

And a bus has been booked to take his sober spooks home to their beds.

John told the Peeblesshire News: “The fundraiser has been organised for ages so we didn’t want to cancel it.

“All of the boys will be there to support the night but they won’t be drinking and we have a bus booked for 10pm to take them home to their beds.

“I have every faith in them - they know how much this final means to the club.” The Alex Jack Cup brings together the best of the East of Scotland teams who don’t have a place in the Scottish Cup.

It has been dominated by Edinburgh clubs in recent years with Sunday’s other finalists, Leith Athletic, winning for the past two seasons.

Peebles Rovers last lifted the Alex Jack Cup in 1999 when they beat Easthouses Lily at Ferguson Park in Rosewell.

They did reach the final again in 2007 but it was Lothian Thistle who ran out winners at Victoria Park.

O’Hara hopes they can get their hands on the historic trophy yet again this weekend.

He continued: “I am not delusional but I do think it will come down to who wants it most and I don’t think there are many teams in the country who will match us for commitment.

“We need every one of our players to be at the top of their game and I am confident they will be.

“We’ve had a good week’s training and we are ready.” Sunday’s final at Innerleithen promises to be an unforgettable occasion for many involved with the Rovers.

A total of 14 young mascots - Aaron Drake, Paul Whitson, Sean Noble, Lewis George, Rory Learmond, Sam Gibson, Robbie Hardie, Aiden Kethchen, Louis Whyte, Andrew Duncan, Reece Dobbie, Euan Learmond, Sean McGovern and Freya O’Hara - have been selected to lead the team out.

And several supporters buses are even heading down to Victoria Park from the Liberton Inn, which is a haunt for many of the players.

O’Hara added: “We are working hard to build a footballing community in Peebles and I think people will see on Sunday how far we have come.

“I believe many players from the team which won the cup in 99 are coming and we are expecting a big support.

“We really hope the whole town gets behind us on Sunday.” Rovers will be at full strength for the final with selection announced during a players’ breakfast in Peebles on the morning of the game.

Sunday’s Alex Jack Cup final kicks off at 2pm at Vale of Leithen’s Victoria Park ground.