With the Ramsdens Cup first round now behind them and the league about to start next week we have the next Saturday in the season with much at stake. The Scottish League Cup first round stretches all the way from today to Tuesday when Partick Thistle and Ayr United line up at Firhill. As indicators of league positions these could be telling or red herrings but here are the tales of the teams that line up in the first round.
Tie of the Round
East Fife v Greenock Morton
Truth be told there is very little from which to choose as the ties have kept many teams in the same leagues apart. Both of these teams went out in the Ramsdens, Forfar dispatching the Fifers whilst the Greenock men were sent packing by lowly Annan Athletic. With Morton looking to be serious contenders again this year and with some of the decent signings they made close season Allan Moore shall be in no mood to allow another cup progression to pass him by. I have picked this tie, not because I think it might be close but I believe there shall be a massive reaction from the ‘Ton.
Tricky ties and possible upsets…
Arbroath v Montrose sees the Red Lichties play host to a team lower down the leagues but who also went out the Ramsdens last weekend. Montrose were sent packing by Elgin City in a straightforward manner whilst Arbroath were the only team who went out on penalties. It’s a northern derby of sorts that I reckon Paul Sheerin should have covered but it will be close. Queen of the South v Annan Athletic is the first tie in this preview in which someone got through the Ramsdens. The Doonhamers swept Spartans aside whilst Annan recorded that victory against Morton. They will be looking or their second championship scalp whilst the Dumfries side will want to continue their record of dealing with south-west sides in cup competitions, home win for me though possibly by the slenderest of margins. Peterhead v Alloa Athletic is a very tricky one for the Championship new boys. Alloa will want to keep in the competition having been dumped by a single goal by Dundee at home in the Ramsdens whilst the Blue Toon got rid of Brechin City in the odd goal of 3. Jim McInally v Paul Hartley was always difficult to call last year and this could end up being a contender for the game of the day. Tough tie for both and I cannot call it.
Hard fought contests and even stevens for both teams…
It starts with Falkirk v Clyde for me as the Championship side won round 1 of this tussle last weekend as they faced each other in the Ramsdens. Rarely do we see winning doubles in these situations. It was a close game and Jim Duffy has brought some significant improvement into the team that begins their League Two campaign this year. The Bairns may scrape through again this time but it ought to be another close one. Stranraer v Brechin City has a home side on a roll following their dumping of Dumbarton last weekend. You would favour the visitors usually but their problems, in terms of injuries, have left them short of a fully fit squad. It makes it intriguing if still not likely to be a huge shock should the home side triumph. Airdrieonians v Stenhousemuir has an Airdrie side brimming with confidence following their win at home against Hamilton last weekend whilst the Warriors took penalties to get past Arbroath. Both are League One sides with plenty to prove and their progress last weekend suggests there is something in each team that should provide a proper contest here.
Should be straight forward…
Let’s start with Berwick Rangers v Cowdenbeath where the home side managed to dump Livingston last weekend and I would be very surprised if they managed the feat a second time against a Championship team. Colin Cameron’s side will be hurting after being defeated last weekend at home by the Pars. I expect a huge reaction and will go for a very decent away win here. Forfar Athletic v Rangers has two sides that progressed last weekend, the Loons taking care of East Fife and Albion Rovers failing to halt Rangers. I would expect Station Park to be the latest on the Rangers’ winning tour of the early rounds of cup competitions. Stirling Albion v Hamilton Academical has the Binos facing another Championship side having been dumped last weekend by Championship opposition. It is unlikely to make a difference here. Hamilton were shock losers last weekend to Airdrieonians – though it wasn’t a huge shock. I fully expect Alex Neil to make sure there are absolutely no upsets this weekend. Dumbarton v Albion Rovers has a Son’s side that Stranraer dumped against the victims of a 4-0 thrashing by Rangers. Ian Murray will not let another side from the lower leagues, especially at home, dent their preparations for a vital Championship season. East Stirlingshire v Dunfermline Athletic should be another progression route for the Pars. It has been a momentous week or so as Dunfermline got past Cowdenbeath in the Ramsdens, got out of administration through a CVA and they should make no mistake here. Raith Rovers v Queen’s Park has another Championship side that progressed last week in the tie though Joe Cardle took his time in getting them through. The Spiders were the victims of a late goal at home to Ayr United. Raith should be comfortable in their preparations and winning of this tie. Elgin City v Livingston has a home side that progressed against an away side that were shock losers last weekend. I expect none of those shenanigans today and an away win at quarter to five!
Finally Partick Thistle v Ayr United will take place on Tuesday night due to Thistle opening this season’s SPL campaign on Friday night. Their 0-0 draw then was testimony to them being where they ought to be and was against a Dundee United boasting some former players and a manager that got them there. Ayr won last weekend due to a bizarre goal in the last few minutes against Queen’s Park so this would be a major upset if they won. I don’t expect that to happen, much though I would wish it!