Greenock Telegraph | Sport | Wanderers' cup break

Saturday, 10th January, 2009

Published: Friday, 1st February, 2008 12:30

Wanderers' cup break

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Action man: Chris Clark has led by example.

GREENOCK Wanderers travel the short distance to West Lodge in the south side of Glasgow on Saturday to play Whitecraigs in the third round of the Scottish Cup.

Whitecraigs ply their trade in the Third Division of the National Leagues but, until Wanderers’ rise through the leagues in the late 90s, were regular opponents for the Fort Matilda men. Many a hard battle was fought between the clubs, both in the south side, and at Fort Matilda.

Tomorrow’s clash promises to be equally tough, as the hosts are sitting at the top of their league and look as if they will be promoted this term.

Both clubs probably will be competing against each other in the Second Division next season.

Wanderers opened their splendid new clubhouse last Saturday, but fell short in their efforts to secure a win to celebrate the occasion. As always, the effort and commitment were there, but without real penetration or composure.

Captain Chris Clark has led by example this season and is sure to have his men fired up for this one in an effort to boost confidence ahead of the final run-in, when all the remaining league games will be at Fort Matilda.

President Donnie Cunningham said: “The focus is on getting the boys confident, self-believing and used to winning. Winning and losing become a habit and Chris and the coaches are looking to instil some positive feeling in the dressing room by getting some wins before the end of the season.

“The cup and the run of home games will be a great opportunity to start that process.”

With the likelihood of survival in the First Division almost gone, it appears clear the management at Fort Matilda are already looking at the potential for ‘bouncebackability’ next season and are eager their stay out of the top National League will be a short one.

The season has had its positive side, with the continued development at 1st XV level of young players Mark Coyle, Mark Rodger, Callum Robb, Jamie Mooney, Liam Scully, Andy McDougall and Kieran Smith to name but a few and, with plenty more in the pipeline, the future looks bright for the Fort Matilda outfit.

Last season’s Player of the Year Brendan McGroarty also looks like making some appearances before the end of the season and his return will be a boost to the squad.

For tomorrow’s game, the selection will come from the usual squad and, once more, the forwards will have to put their bodies on the line and secure ball against a side that has been playing well, particularly at home this season.

Veteran Jimmy McKenna will be a key player, as his composure and leadership of the forwards will be important in keeping the young heads cool when the heat of battle threatens to take over.

Former Wanderers, twins Nick and Ben Blamire, and James Kemp, may well feature against their old team-mates and this will add some spice to the tie.

Frankly the game looks too close to call, and Wanderers will need to be at their best to avoid crashing out of this year’s competition at the first hurdle.

For those not making the short trip to West Lodge tomorrow, there is plenty of rugby to enjoy at Fort Matilda. Wanderers’ 2nd XV host Dalziel and the Under-18s play Alan Glens.

Cowal Rugby Club will also play their match against Hyndland at the Battery Park, subject to weather conditions. All spectators should check the Wanderers website for news of cancellations.

Scottish Cup third round: Whitecraigs v Greenock Wanderers at West Lodge, kick-off 2.30pm: S McTavish, N Wright, C Clark[C], J Adcock, D Murray, D Watson, A Devlin, K Murray, A McDougall, A Knox, M Rodger, A Hunter, R Lavelle, M Coyle, G Patterson, N Patterson, L Scully, J Mooney, M McDonald, J McKenna, C Robb, A Abernethy, G Finnie.

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