After all this week’s media hype, the biggest day in Lochee United’s history has arrived with Thomson Park hosting Ayr United in the third round of the Homecoming Scottish Cup this afternoon (kick-off 1.45).

By chopping the two Thistles, Bathgate and Buckie, down to size, in their opening rounds of this first-ever venture in the competition, the Bluebells have already recorded landmark successes.

However, victory in this first-ever competitive clash with an SFL side would see them scale new heights, because no junior side has achieved that feat.

And having done his homework on their Second Division opponents, Ray McKinnon is in no doubt just how big a job they have.

He said, “They are really flying just now and scoring goals left right and centre.

“In Byan Prunty, they have their division’s top scorer with 12 goals and their other striker, David Gormley, who stepped up from Glenafton this season, is another dangerman.”

And even although McKinnon is deprived of the services of key defenders Greg Kirk and Colin Watson, he has no fears on that score,

“Graham Hay and Kenny McMillan have been doing well in central defence in their absence and played in both of the previous rounds.”

However, from his in-depth study of Brian Reid’s side, the Bluebells boss revealed he is contemplating changes from their usual system and is far from dismissive of their chances.

“I am thinking about changes both in defence and attack to cope with their strengths, of which there are many.

“But if every player wins his own individual battle to stop them playing as they can, then we are in with a shout.

“With players like Craig Robertson and Philip Hagan in the side, I’ve got players who can score against any opposition if they are on their game.”

“I know the lads will give it their best shot and no matter what the outcome, I am proud of what the lads have achieved already.”

Off the park, Hurculean efforts have been going on all week to prepare Thomson Park, including construction of turnstiles on Liff Road to comply with the segregation arrangements required with Ayr expected to bring over 500 fans.

Bluebells secretary Larry Duncan said, “I would like to really thank everyone who has given time and effort to get the things ready.”

Last night though, Duncan’s biggest worry was the weather. With the temperature plummeting, arrangements were hastily made to borrow Dundee FC’s pitch covers in a bid to ensure the tie goes ahead.

Duncan said, “The pitch was fine yesterday afternoon and we are indebted to Dundee for their assistance.”

With Ayr making a journey of over 100 miles nothing is being left to chance and there is a pitch inspection at 8.15 this morning.

Ayr United boss Brian Reid reckons he is facing a “trip into the unknown” when his side travel to meet the Bluebells.

Reid said, “We have had Lochee watched and gathered as much information as possible to prepare but I still feel that we are entering into a game that we are not totally prepared for.

“I also know there will be increased attention on us so we will have to be totally professional in everything we do.”

Reid goes into this one without midfielder Chris Aitken, along with a couple of unnamed players that are carrying niggles which the manager hopes they can overcome.

FORFAR boss Dick Campbell has labelled today’s clash with Stranraer the “biggest game of the season” for his club.

The Loons are determined to bag themselves a spot in the potentially lucrative fourth round of the cup and Campbell is hoping that his squad can pounce on Stranraer’s league predicament to sail through.

Home hasn’t been the happiest of hunting grounds for Forfar this season. But with Stranraer firmly rooted to the foot of the second division, and with the prospect of an epic trip to Dumfries and Galloway if the match ends in stalemate, the Loons should have plenty of incentive to spring a cup shock.

“The players are up for the game, which is a pre-requisite for me,” said Campbell.

“It is an equally important game for Stranraer though as they definitely need to win.

“They are definitely the favourites but we’ve got our preparations right and also plan to head up to the pitch early on Saturday to do a bit of work before the game.

“It promises to be a big game for both clubs and is probably the biggest game of the season for us.

“The fact that we’re playing at home will be an advantage for us, there’s no doubt about that.

“Any cup-tie when you’re playing at home you’ve got to try to win, to be honest,” he added.

Campbell also added that he will be making a number of changes to the side that lost the derby clash with Montrose last weekend.

“We’ll definitely be making a few changes, albeit we should’ve won that game,” he added.

Stranraer are still bearing a grudge after their last trip to Angus, where refereeing decisions cost them dearly at Arbroath last Saturday.

Stair Park assistant boss Keith Knox said, “We know we are sitting bottom of the league and that will give Forfar confidence.

“However, decisions last week at Gayfield cost us points.

“Station Park will be a difficult place to go but we are confident we have players with the ability to win through in this game.”

Stranraer have midfielder Kevin Nicoll available after suspension and young striker Stuart McColm is in the pool after recovering from injury.

Buoyed by the revival in their league form over the past couple of games, ARBROATH make the trip to New Bayview today to take on fellow second division side EAST FIFE.

Lichties boss John McGlashan, who described the cup-tie as “a big and pleasant distraction” from league business, said, “We’ve been under a fair bit of pressure lately but, after two wins and two clean sheets, we go into this game with our heads held high.

“Getting ourselves off the bottom of the league has given us a real boost and the atmosphere and attitude in the dressing room is now far more up-beat.

“We always knew we were a better team than our run of poor results might have suggested and now we just have to build on that and keep the momentum going.

“We know all about East Fife and, although our two most recent encounters have seen us lose out by the odd goal, their results of late have been a bit indifferent.”

Arbroath are still struggling with injury issues—Paul Lunan, Paul Watson and Paul Tosh are doubtful at best and Nicky Smith and John Fraser are still battling back to match fitness.

On a more positive note, McGlashan has been in talks with former Lichties skipper Marc McCulloch—who has returned to Scotland after playing full-time football for two seasons in Ireland—and he could re-join the Lichties in the New Year.

Meanwhile, McGlashan and his fellow Arbroath coach Jim Smith are set to pull their own boots on again this weekend when they are expected to make guest appearances in the ‘auld crocks’ charity match between Sye’s Sharks and Hamish’s Has-Beens at Ogilvie Park, which kicks off at 1pm tomorrow.

Injuries continue to blight the Fifers’ squad, though Jonathan Smart and Paul Nugent are available having come through a reserve game on Monday evening.

Goran Stanic, Steven Tweed, Dene Shields and Paul McManus all remain out, while Shaun Fagan is touch-and-go after contracting a virus.

The tie at Edinburgh City offers BRECHIN’S players a welcome break from the rigours of their league programme, but manager Michael O’Neill still expects them to approach the game as if they were facing any of the second division’s top sides.

He is well aware the Scottish Cup has been littered with stories of teams going out to non-league opposition and he is adamant the only way of ensuring City doesn’t become another casualty is for his men to go with the right attitude.

He will be missing Richard Walker, who is suspended, and Stevie Canning, who is injured, and Jon Seeley is doubtful, but is looking for commitment from those players who are selected.

He said, “This is a game we’re on a hiding to nothing in and I feel it’s all about our approach.

“If we go about our job in the correct manner we are capable of getting through to the next round.

“We have got to go and play as we would against top teams in the league like Raith Rovers or Ayr United.

“The draw could have been worse for us. But they are in a position that could cause an upset.

“They have proved their worth by going all the way up to Wick and winning in the last round and they have some useful players in their squad.

“But if we go and play to our usual standard, I am confident we can do all right.

“We just need to ensure we are focused and go about our business in the proper manner.”

The hosts were boosted by the news that star striker Robbie Ross should have recovered from his back injury to make the game along with striking colleague Steven Clee.

Kevin Morrison and John Hall are in the ‘very doubtful’ category, according to City boss Shaun Stevens.

MONTROSE may be travelling as underdogs to meet Clyde but caretaker manager David Hannah reckons they could be capable of springing a surprise.

The Links Park club is sitting second top in the third division and confidence was given a further boost last week after securing a vital three points with a 1-0 derby win over Forfar.

His players were relishing the chance to show their mettle against a first division side, said Hannah, and the tie could also be a tremendous experience for some fresh young faces.

Mark Peat remains a big doubt with a calf injury. Though his replacement, 16-year-old Fraser Stark, excelled against Forfar, he is unlikely to feature again so quickly with Hannah set to recall Greg Kelly from his loan spell with St Johnstone.

However, with a number of other players struggling with injury there is room for a new injection of talent and Hannah was watching Montrose U19s play Aberdeen in midweek to see if any of the Montrose starlets were ready for promotion.

David Craig has a cracked rib, Steven Thomson is out for at least four weeks with ankle ligament damage, John Maitland is struggling with a toe problem and Gerry McLauchlan is unavailable as Queen of the South do not want him cup-tied.

“We had a 16-year-old keeper for the derby, and two 16-year-olds and a 19-year-old on the bench.

“If they are good enough they are old enough,” said Hannah.

“The cup-tie will be great experience for any young players I include in my squad.

“Sometimes young players play with no fear. Fraser Stark was thrown in out of the blue and played so well and there are three or four others who could follow him.”

Clyde are bound to be massive favourites and Hannah is under no illusion on the scale of the challenge.

But he said, “In football it is 11 v 11. I will just focus on what my players do.

“The cup changes our focus, but it’s a chance for my players to pit their wits against players from two divisions higher.

“We have won four of our last five games and if my players show the same attitude as they have done in the past month maybe we can cause an upset.”