SCOTTISH Cup takes centre stage for three of East Lothian’s football teams this afternoon (Saturday).

Dunbar United, Musselburgh Athletic and Tranent Juniors are all in action in the first round of the prestigious competition.

Clachnacuddin are making the long journey to New Countess Park while Newtongrange Star have a considerably shorter trip as they head to Musselburgh.

Tranent will head west to face Kilwinning Rangers.

Preston Athletic are also on their travels in the First Division of the East of Scotland Football League (EoSFL) as they face Kirkcaldy and Dysart.

Finally, Ormiston Primrose welcome Peebles Rovers to the county in the Second Division.

Haddington Athletic do not have a game.

The league clashes get under way at 2.30pm with the cup contests at 3pm.

East Lothian Courier: Musselburgh Athletic (white) knocked Penicuik Athletic out of the Scottish Cup. Picture: Alan WilsonMusselburgh Athletic (white) knocked Penicuik Athletic out of the Scottish Cup. Picture: Alan Wilson

Match of the Day

Musselburgh Athletic v Newtongrange Star

Scottish Cup First Round

Musselburgh Athletic last five games: WWWLW

HISTORY will finally be made at Olivebank as Scottish Cup football is played at the ground for the first time.

Musselburgh have had to be patient in their wait for a home tie in the competition, with previous draws taking them as far as Wick and Irvine.

Now, they will welcome former Junior heavyweights Newtongrange Star to the Honest Toun.

Joe Hamill’s team will be boosted by three consecutive wins, including two wins in cup competitions.

Their visitors are aiming for an immediate return to the top flight of the EoSFL.

Newtongrange have won three of their opening five games in the First Division.

East Lothian Courier: Goals in either half gave Dunbar United victory over Whitehill Welfare on Saturday. Picture: Gordon MaitlandGoals in either half gave Dunbar United victory over Whitehill Welfare on Saturday. Picture: Gordon Maitland

Dunbar United v Clachnacuddin

Scottish Cup First Round

Dunbar United last five games: WDWWW

INVERNESS-BASED Clachnacuddin make the trip south to New Countess Park in the first round of the Scottish Cup.

Two tiers separate Dunbar United and their opposition in the Scottish footballing pyramid.

However, the Seasiders have already caused an upset in the preliminary round of the Scottish Cup when they knocked out EoSFL Premier Division side Vale of Leithen.

The underdog tag is on the home side but they will be hoping their impressive recent form can inspire them to victory.

They are unbeaten in the league and sit top of the First Division table, although they could be toppled by county rivals Preston Athletic today.

Clachnacuddin sit 14th in the Highland League with two wins from eight contests.

East Lothian Courier: Tranent face a trip to Kilwinning Rangers in the Scottish CupTranent face a trip to Kilwinning Rangers in the Scottish Cup (Image: Tranent face a trip to Kilwinning Rangers in the Scottish Cup)

Kilwinning Rangers v Tranent Juniors

Scottish Cup First Round

Tranent Juniors last five games: DDWWD

COLIN Nish’s side head to West of Scotland Football League Kilwinning Rangers looking to reach the second round of the Scottish Cup.

The Belters have started impressively in their new surroundings of the Scottish Lowland Football League (SLFL).

An opening day defeat to East Kilbride has quickly been wiped from the memory and they sit seventh in the table with games in hand over each of the teams above them.

Attention switches to the cup this afternoon and a trip to Buffs Park.

Their hosts have won one of their three league encounters this campaign having defeated Irvine Meadow.

East Lothian Courier: Preston Athletic (blue) have bounced back after suffering Scottish Cup heartache to Newton StewartPreston Athletic (blue) have bounced back after suffering Scottish Cup heartache to Newton Stewart

Kirkcaldy and Dysart v Preston Athletic

East of Scotland Football League First Division

Preston Athletic last five games: WLLWW

VICTORY at Alex Penman Park could be enough to put Preston Athletic top of the table.

The Panners bounced back from consecutive cup defeats and will be looking to secure a first win of the campaign in Fife.

It will be far from easy though as their hosts have the chance to leapfrog them in the standings if they win.

Kirkcaldy and Dysart have won three of their five league games this campaign, with Paul Currie and Paul Montgomery’s team having played one game more.

Three points for the visitors would see them jump above current leaders Dunbar, although a win for Luncarty could stop them from taking top spot.

East Lothian Courier: Ormiston Primrose (black and white) welcome Peebles Rovers to New Recreation ParkOrmiston Primrose (black and white) welcome Peebles Rovers to New Recreation Park

Ormiston Primrose v Peebles Rovers

East of Scotland Football League Second Division

Ormiston Primrose last five games: LLLDW

A SECOND meeting of the season between Ormiston Primrose and Peebles Rovers is hosted at New Recreation Park.

Richie Weir’s men won the first encounter on penalties in the Qualifying Cup after neither team could break the deadlock.

A similarly close affair could be on the cards this afternoon as both teams are locked together on four points.

Ormiston have enjoyed a promising start to the campaign and the heavy defeats of last season seem to be less frequent in the Second Division.

Three points would see them not only move above their opponents but, potentially, a number of their rivals as well.

Peebles have drawn four of their six league matches.