Football: County trio dreaming of Scottish Cup adventure

The Scottish Cup first round takes centre stage for the two clubs, alongside Tranent, with a chance to face off against an established Scottish Professional Football League side for the first time if they win.

Dunbar travel to Edinburgh University on Saturday while Musselburgh welcome Gretna 2008 and Tranent host Hutchison Vale.

Dunbar have previously reached the second round of the competition but never had the chance to play a team from tier four or above, while Tranent have faced Stirling Albion and East Fife.

Kevin Haynes, manager of Dunbar United, was not looking beyond this weekend’s first round ties but acknowledged the potential of facing an SPFL team was there – if they made it through.

Dunbar United manager Kevin Haynes

He said: “We have competed in the competition twice and never been past round two and never faced a league side.

“I want to be the guy that leads Dunbar into a fixture against a league side.

“It is good for the club to get a league side at home with a good turnout of home and away fans because it is something totally out of the ordinary.”

In the preliminary round, Dunbar overcame fellow of East of Scotland Football League side Vale of Leithen, who they also knocked out last year.

A trip into the Capital pairs them with an Edinburgh University side sitting bottom of the Scottish Lowland Football League with one point from a possible 30.

Haynes added: “I think it is a hard game, a very hard game. We will be underdogs, which I prefer, so it is one that is exciting. It is a team in a different league and an opportunity to create an upset. Regardless of Edinburgh University’s form and our form, just the difference in the leagues makes us underdogs.”

Liam Burns, Musselburgh Athletic manager, was similarly keen to write a new chapter in his side’s history.

They reached the first round last season before losing to Newtongrange Star.

Musselburgh Athletic manager Liam Burns

Now, they are aiming to progress again as they host Gretna 2008, who sit one place and two points better off than Edinburgh University.

Burns said: “It is one that everybody is realistic about that we are probably not going to win the cup but it is one where you want to go as far as you can.

“Everybody has got the same aim – that glamorous tie and trying to get a day out and to go and play one of the big boys.

“We want to win every game but in the Scottish Cup you are competing in the same tournament as Celtic, Hibs and Rangers.

“It says a lot and we want to go as far as we can.

“I did it two years ago with Edinburgh City when we played Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

“It was a poor result but something you will always remember – pitting yourself against the big boys.”

The Honest Toun team have been in red hot form in front of goal – finding the net 37 times in just seven games.

Burns added: “We have very, very pleased and put in a lot of really, really good performances recently.

“There have been some really good results and going forward we are creating a lot of chances.

“The guys at the top end of the pitch have scored a lot of goals.”

Tranent manager Ian Little

Tranent have also been in impressive form, picking up four wins out of four since Ian Little took the helm.

The Belters suffered a surprise exit at the hands of Kilwinning Rangers 12 months ago and will be keen to avoid another upset.

Little said: “It is the best cup competition there is.

“For every club, they are trying to get a wee run in the cup.

“It can generate good money through the rounds and through crowds.

“It will be a tough game on Saturday and they will probably take a bit of a crowd.

“I have played in a lot of games against higher opposition and came out the other end as a winner.

“We just need to make sure we work hard this week and get them set up for the game on Saturday – to have them understand how hard it will be.”