Max mad over lack of respect

He is angry about comments made by Irvine Meadow manager Chris Strain in the wake of Rose beating the Ayrshire side 2-0 in the Scottish Junior Cup quarter-finals a fortnight ago.

“I believe he said in the local press that Irvine shouldn’t be losing to teams like Bonnyrigg,” said Christie.

“I think that is a case of someone showing a bit ignorance towards us. We may not be the biggest club in the Junior game but we are certainly doing okay this season.”

That is clearly reflected by an exciting end to the season lying in store for the New Dundas Park Club.

They’re still in the Super League title race and have a Junior Cup semi-final against holders Auchinleck on the horizon next month.

They’re also still in the Fife & Lothians Cup and the East of Scotland Cup, facing Dundee East Craigie at home tomorrow in the latter.

“They may play in two leagues below us but we certainly won’t be treating them lightly,” insisted Christie.

“We’ve lost to so-called smaller teams in the League Cup this season so we need to go out on Saturday and do our jobs professionally.

“We’ve not got the biggest of squads but, at the same time, it’s a chance for me to give players a run-out.”

Midfield dynamo Alex King could return after he missed last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Linlithgow due to illness.

“Kingy is one in a million but is also one of those players you sometimes need to rein in,” said Christie.

“He can be his own worst enemy at times and he was determined to try and play last week even though he’d been laid low by a sickness bug.”

Musselburgh and Arniston are also in East of Scotland Cup action tomorrow.

Musselburgh are at Kinnoull for a second-round tie while Arniston travel to Lochore in the third round.

Linlithgow are at home to Hill of Beath in the Fife & Lothians Cup, which also sees Haddington at Thornton Hibs in the third round.