Irvine Meadow best non-league team in Scotland, insists Jardine

Edinburgh CITY co-manager Gary Jardine, while appreciating the attention that has been given to their new signing – former Hibs star Russell Latapy – has had to keep his eyes firmly on the ball ahead of tomorrow’s William Hill Scottish Cup second round tie against Irvine Meadow.

“Irvine Meadow were unbeaten in their opening 12 league and cup ties and then John [Green, co-manager] and I went to watch them in their League Cup final against Auchinleck Talbot and they were beaten 3-0,” said Jardine.

“But I would have to say that I regard Irvine Meadow as probably the best non-league team in Scotland at the present time. They have players who would easily fit into most Second Division and even First Division clubs in Scotland.”

Unfortunately for City, their recent signing from Boston United, Miles Hunter, picked up a hamstring injury last weekend and is unlikely to feature although centre-half Ross Macnamara trained in midweek and suffered no reaction to his back injury. Grant Vanson is in terrific form for City while Douglas Gair has scored eight goals in City’s last ten Scottish Cup ties.

Chris Strain, the Irvine Meadow manager, said: “This is a new venture for us so I watched City play Civil Service Strollers recently on a big park, which I know Meadowbank is as well. We know that City have some decent players although overall it was difficult to gauge in that game and it is about which team turns up on the day.

“There will be a bit more interest now because Russell Latapy was a fantastic player in his day and no doubt he will show some nice touches.”

Kick-off at Meadowbank is 3.00pm with admission £6 for adults and £3 for concessions.