PRESTON Athletic chairman John Snedden is relishing the prospect of welcoming Montrose to the Pennypit this weekend.

The Panners welcome senior league opposition for the first time in over two years in the second round of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

Snedden, who took over as chairman from Andy Grant earlier in the year, is looking forward to Saturday's match.

He told Courier Sport: "Whilst our Lowland League form has been disappointing recently and the League table doesn't lie, Montrose will not find the Pennypit an easy place to visit,

"It was only a few weeks ago that we went on a three-game winning run, scoring 14 goals in the process, including the comeback win against Stirling University, a team we have not beaten for a number of years, so the squad know that on their day they can match any side."

While the Preston Athletic chairman is keen to see a big turnout from the home support, he is keen to avoid a repeat of the disruption at the 2014 clash with Queens Park.

Fans invaded the pitch after Preston equalised in the second round replay, and referee Nick Walsh subsequently suspended play to allow the pitch to clear.

Snedden, though, said: "Montrose are the first league side to visit since Queens Park in 2014 where we ran them close but perhaps we lost momentum a little that day as the referee took the players off the park after the pitch invasion.

"We hope that is not repeated this time around and look forward to welcoming a large crowd to the Pennypit on Saturday who want to come along and enjoy the occasion, and perhaps see a shock to equal that of the Stenhousemuir win 10 years ago."

While the club have struggled in the league, manager Craig Nisbet is relishing a "great occasion" on Saturday.

He added: "The fact that the game is at home is massive – it will be a great occasion and hopefully the people in the town come out and support us.

"We'll be massive underdogs on the day, but the Montrose players won't be used to coming to places like the Pennypit, where the crowd are right on top of you and the pitch is maybe not as well maintained."

Gates open at the Pennypit at 2pm, and tickets are £10 for adults, or £5 for concessions.