Linlithgow keeper Adams craves Junior Cup winner's medal

Ally Adams, below, insists Linlithgow must put their current run in the William Hill Scottish Cup to the back of their minds when they host Irvine Meadow in the Junior Cup tomorrow

The goalkeeper picked up two runners-up medals in a five-year spell at Olivebank and is desperate to go one step further. Adams was part of the Burgh side which was edged out 2-1 by Auchinleck Talbot at Rugby Park last June and, ahead of hosting Irvine Meadow tomorrow in the last 32 of this season’s competition, he revealed his desire to get his hands on the most prized possession in Junior football.

“The plan is definitely to go and get a winner’s medal,” said the 24-year-old. “I’ve got two runners-up medals and I don’t want a hat-trick of them.

“We’ve got the quality to go and do it. You look through the squad and we’ve got a great balance of experience, youth and energy. We’ve still got Roddy [MacLennan] to come back and he’s probably the best player I’ve seen in Junior football. I definitely think we have enough to go all the way but it’s important just to focus on Saturday on the game in hand and take care of that first.”

Rose are in the midst of a fairytale run in the William Hill Scottish Cup with a crack at Premiership outfit Ross County awaiting them in the last 16 if they can defeat League One side Forfar Athletic in Tuesday’s replay at Station Park.

The incentive to become the first Junior club to reach the fifth round is huge for Rose, who welcomed more than 2000 spectators to their West Lothian home last weekend, but all their focus is geared towards the visit of Meadow.

“It’s great to be involved in the senior Scottish Cup, but playing for Linlithgow you aren’t expected to go far in it,” continued Adams. “For us, our bread and butter is the league and the Junior Cup and that’s what you want to be winning first and foremost then a cup run on the back of that is obviously nice.

“The game on Tuesday will take care of itself. This week’s training has been focused on Saturday’s game. It’s important not to get distracted with the Scottish Cup run and we keep focused on the job at hand.”

Ayrshire giants Meadow are up there with Rose as being one of Junior football’s most successful clubs, but they are currently a club in transition as they battle relegation from the West of Scotland Super League Premier.

Tomorrow’s match is the first for Meadow’s new manager Davie Greig, although the tie doesn’t have the usual feel of the massive clash which would usually be associated with these two going head-to-head, with Rose big favourites to progress.

Adams insists Linlithgow won’t be taking Irving lightly, however. He said: “It’s two of the biggest clubs in Junior football, it’s a massive game. It’s a cup game and form goes out the window, especially between two big clubs like this.”

Bonnyrigg Rose are also flying the flag for the East in the Junior Cup and they host Premier League Lochee United at New Dundas Park with a place in the fifth round at stake.