THE dream of Scottish Cup football being played at the home of three East Lothian teams for the first time has moved a step closer.
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) confirmed that 30 clubs, including for the first time Haddington Athletic, Musselburgh Athletic and Tranent Juniors, as well as Preston Athletic, would be in the draw for the preliminary competition first round.
Sixteen teams will be pulled out of the hat for the fixtures, which will be played on November 28, with the remaining 14 getting a bye into the second round of the preliminary competition.
However, restrictions due to the coronavirus mean some clubs could be hoping for an away draw or a bye.
According to the SFA, “changing facilities for both teams and match officials must be available and must comply with all relevant Covid legislation and regulations”.
That could create a problem for many clubs, with many changing rooms not large enough to cope with social distancing for two teams.
Drew Donaldson, chairman of Haddington Athletic, said they were delighted the club had a chance to play in Scotland’s top cup competition and were “exploring options” to see what could be done to allow them to meet the coronavirus legislation.
Tranent Juniors are also looking at what can be done.
Paul Macgregor, secretary of the club, said plans were being drawn and added: “We are all really excited about the Scottish Cup.
“It will be another milestone in the club’s history, which is excellent and gives us a reward for all the hard work that went into getting the club’s licence.”
Karl Cleghorn, president of Musselburgh Athletic, was similarly looking forward to the draw and a little piece of history being made.
He said they were awaiting confirmation an already-in-place enclosure could be used as a changing room.
He added: “Olive Bank has never been in better shape.
“We have got players and everybody geared up for it but we need the confirmation that the facility is suitable.”
Due to the shortened season, the SFA has opted to scrap replays.
Preston Athletic have taken part in the competition for a number of years and faced sides including Queen’s Park, Stenhousemuir and Brechin City in the past.
Other teams included in the first round draw range from Wigtown and Bladnoch in the South of Scotland Football League to Golspie Sutherland in the North Caledonian Football League.
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