City boys told to go out and make history

Published on Friday 9 May 2008 10:26

EDINBURGH City manager, Shaun Steven, will proudly lead his team out for one of the biggest games in the club's history when they meet Annan Athletic in the final of the SFA South Region Challenge Cup at Galashiels tomorrow.

This is the first occasion this cup has been contested after the Scottish Qualifying Cups (North) and (South) were consigned to the history books last season. Thirty eight teams including those in the East and South of Scotland Leagues, along with Glasgow University, Burntisland Shipyard and Girvan started on the trail.

Steven knows that his side have the opportunity to become legends because the last time the club lifted the Qualifying Cup was way back in season 1946/47.

"It is absolutely great for Edinburgh City to be in the final of this historic competition," he said. "The boys have done superbly well to get this far and I will be stressing to them that they go out, enjoy the game and come back into the dressing room as winners. There is no point in coming this far and not going the whole way."

Steven rested key players in the 3-2 league defeat to Lothian Thistle on Wednesday and added: "I do not want to take anything away from Lothian because they are a very good side. For us it was not too important a game and we were able to rest some players."

Steven is convinced that this cup final will be high scoring, citing the two previous league games between the clubs this season which ended 4-3 in favour of City and the other won by Annan 4-2.

"Both teams play attacking football," said Steven. "I think one of us will have to score at least three goals to win because neither side will keep a clean sheet.

"I can envisage a nice, open game because there is nothing between the teams. I regard Annan as the most professional club in the league and they are well organised with a great set up.

"I have attacking players like Robbie Ross, Steven Clee, Jean Ferreira and Jordan Caddow, who can all score goals and they are all playing with loads of confidence."

Meanwhile, Annan Athletic manager Harry Cairney said: "Games against City are always entertaining and tomorrow should be no different."

The game kicks off at Netherdale, the home of Gala Fairydean, at 2.30pm. Adults 4, concessions 2.