VALE boss Mike Lawson is the most successful non-league manager in Scottish Cup history.

The 66-year-old has masterminded dozens of giant-killing shocks during his 25 years as a manager.

And he has twice reached the last 16 of the competition with Spartans.

But Lawson, who took over at Vale of Leithen last week, admits he will be delighted just to still be in the competition on Saturday evening as they travel to face inform Wigtown & Bladnoch.

Vale have lost their opening three league matches.

And most of this week has involved a search for a stand-in keeper as regular stopper Andy McQueen won’t return from his holiday in Thailand until Sunday.

Lawson’s search ended on Wednesday as he secured the services of former Ayr United, Queen of the South and Selkirk goalie, John Dodds.

Lawson said: “Scottish Cup games are always a battle and it usually comes down to who is most up for the battle.

“I know we’ll have to be at our best and I’ll be happy to still be in the competition on our way home on Saturday.

“Finding a keeper was a problem but John Dodds has agreed to stand in. He was going to act as a reserve keeper for Gala but they have kindly allowed him to join us.” Tomorrow’s opponents were runaway winners of last season’s South of Scotland League.

As Vale haven’t yet secured the SFA licence they have to navigate through two preliminary rounds to reach the first round draw.

If the Innerleithen side progress past Wigtown they will face Hawick Royal Albert.

Vale will welcome back both Kenny O’Brien and Jay Stevens into their starting eleven.

And Sean Stevens is also back in the running for inclusion in Lawson’s starting team.

But captain James Elliot has been ruled out through injury.

Lawson added: “Wigtown will fancy their chances against us when they look how we’ve started the season.

“But we have trained well this week and both Kenny and Jay should be ready to start the game.

“We still have a problem filling the goalkeeper’s jersey but we have a few options.

“Despite all the setbacks we’ve had I’m really looking forward to the Scottish Cup.” Tomorrow’s match at Wigtown kicks off at 3pm and a supporters’ bus will leave Victoria Park at 10am.

Peebles Rovers are also in cup action as they travel to East Kilbride.

John O’Hara’s team face one of the East of Scotland League Cup favourites at the K Park.

The match also kicks off at 3pm.