Amateur football previews

Oct 1 2010 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Perthshire AFA

THE elusive road to Hampden appears for the first time this season tomorrow – and although the majority of Perthshire clubs are unlikely to reach the latter stages, hope of a good Scottish Cup run fills all players and committees with excitement.

In the past, a number of clubs seasons have kick-started after a good couple of away days where the laddies can bond and rightfully become a team.

All this is fair and well providing they can advance past the first of two North of Tay rounds and unfortunately, as Methven travel to Bridgeton and Roselea travel to Star, two will finish their runs early.

Both Letham Lads and the Strath await the visit of two top Midlands cracks in the form of Invergowrie and NCR respectively, while Auchterarder, Tay Thistle and Glenfarg travel the other way in what will be the first taste of national action for the latter.

A couple of quarter-final places still need to be decided in the Smith League Cup as Balmoral have the short hop over to Burrelton, who shared the points in their first meeting.

As did Fairfield and St Johns, following a mini collapse by the latter. But don’t be surprised if Gormley’s men spring an October shock.

On league duty, normal service will be resumed when Alyth take back top spot if they, as expected defeat Craigie, while both the Vale and Breadalbane languish near the bottom in what could already be a six-pointer.

In division two, Letham could extend their lead at the top, but face a tricky away tie at Rattray who are now nearly back to full strength. Coupar could continue their revival at bottom club the Brig and after last week’s good win at Ballinluig, Swifts gaffer O’Connor will be looking for his team to transfer that good form into league points at home to Wolfhill.

Last up, two clubs looking to force their way in the title race are Vale of Atholl and Comrie and they meet up in Pitlochry.

In a shortened division three card, high scoring wins are expected by the top two as Newtyle host bottom club Meigle Vics, while Kettins travel to Kinrossie who shipped seven at Kenmore last week.

RESULTS from Saturday, September 25.

North of Tay District Cup First Round - Bridge of Earn 2 West End Athletic 1, St James 1 Burrelton Rovers 0, Breadalbane 2 Methven 0, Fair City 5 Hawkhill Tavern 0, Ballinluig 1 Jeanfield Swifts 2, Wellbank 2 Alyth 4, Strathearn Grove 0 Dundee College 3, St Johns 4 Auchterarder Primrose 0.

League Division One – Roselea 5 Balmoral Utd 0, Craigie 1 Vale of Earn 1.

League Division Two – Fairfield 2 Letham Lads 0, Comrie Rovers 2 Wolfhill 1, Vale of Atholl 4 Rattray 2, Coupar Angus 1 Bridgeton Utd 0, Letham 3 Tay Thistle 2.

League Division Three – Glenfarg Utd 2 Star of Atholl 2, Kenmore 7 Kinrossie/Caledonian 1, Kettins 1 Newtyle Hearts 3.

TOMORROW’S fixtures, all cup kick-offs 2pm, league 2.30pm.

Scottish Cup first round – Bridgeton Utd v Methven (R Thomson), Letham Lads v Invergowrie (G Graham), Star of Atholl v Roselea (D Ragsdell), Strathearn Grove v NCR (R McDougall), Broughty Utd v Tay Thistle, Dundee Uni Medics v Glenfarg Utd, Menziehill Athletic v Auchterarder Primrose:

Smith League Cup play off, extra time and penalties if required – Burrelton Rovers v Balmoral Utd (K Stewart),Fairfield v St Johns (B Reid):

Birks Cup quarter-final – Kenmore v Ballinluig (S Robertson):

League Division One – Vale of Earn v Breadalbane (K Shaw), Alyth v Craigie (M Sharpe):

League Division Two – Jeanfield Swifts v Wolfhill (J Richardson), Rattray v Letham (P Stevenson), Bridge of Earn v Coupar Angus (N Fraser), Vale of Atholl v Comrie Rovers (K Barclay):

League Division Three – Newtyle Hearts v Meigle Vics (P Aiken), Kinrossie/Caledonian v Kettins (E McIntosh).