Bo’ness and Linlithgow to clash early on in Junior Cup

The ties are to be played on Saturday, October 1 with 3.00pm kick-offs.

Bo’ness had the misfortune to be handed a lengthy trip to Fort William in the William Hill Scottish Cup on Monday and when they were drawn out at home yesterday they were happy at first, until moments later the name of their opponents was heard.

While the home tie is sure to attract a large and passionate crowd, it is one they would have preferred to have taken place further on in the competition.

Bo’ness manager Paul Ronald said: “It’s not the draw we would have wished for.

“Two of the biggest sides in the East Region mean that one will be knocked out at the first hurdle.

“It’s a cracker for the supporters of both clubs but it would be better if it was later in the season. However we just have to get on with it because it won’t go away.”

Linlithgow gaffer Dave Baikie said: “We have a load of games to think about before this one but obviously the build-up will have started. The draw doesn’t suit either of us. That’s one of possibly two contenders knocked out in the first round.

“Sometimes you get an easier ride into the latter stages of the cup but in recent seasons we’ve had it hard.

“We took Auchinleck to two games only to be beaten with a late goal. We’ve had Bo’ness and Clydebank in recent years and now this.”