Broxburn sense chance to cause a real upset

Published on Friday 27 November 2009 08:40

BROXBURN Athletic boss Steve Pittman sees no reason why his team can't cause an upset in the Emirates Scottish Junior Cup tomorrow after giving a Super League team a real fright a fortnight ago.

The South Division outfit take on Bonnyrigg Rose at New Dundas Park tomorrow (1.45pm kick-off) in a tasty-looking third-round clash and Pittman is looking for his players to produce a similar performance to the one that helped them give Musselburgh a scare in the East of Scotland Cup.

Broxburn were in front in that game at Olivebank before being floored by two second-half goals from last season's Premier Division champions and Pittman was proud of his side despite the fact they ultimately felt disappointment.

"We had opportunities against Musselburgh and it was just unfortunate that a couple of lapses in concentration cost us dearly," said the former USA internationalist, who won three caps.

"The players gave everything and we were very proud of them. Indeed, I wouldn't have swapped any of my players for the Musselburgh players. In fairness, they are maybe stronger in one or two positions but you've got to pay for that extra quality.

"This will be another tough game for, we know that. But this is a nice little extra for us because the league is the main priority for us this season. There will be no pressure on my players on Saturday. We will be telling to go to Bonnyrigg and not only express themselves and have a go but enjoy it, too.

"This is a chance for all of them to put themselves in the shop window – doing well against teams like Musselburgh and Bonnyrigg will get them noticed."

With Broxburn's scheduled game last Saturday having been cancelled, Pittman took the chance to run the rule over last season's Super League champions as they lost 2-1 to league leaders Bo'ness. He was accompanied by his two assistants, Stevie McIlhone and Grant Fairley, and they hope to come up with a plan to beat Bonnyrigg.

"They looked very strong in the second-half against Bo'ness and I was particularly impressed by the pace of Sean Paliczka up front," added Pittman, who has striker Barry Craig available again after battling his way back from a cruciate ligament injury. "Myself, Stevie and Grant will be getting our heads together to bounce ideas off each other about how we can get a result. I was going to suggest we played with 12 men – but I don't think we'll get away with that!"

Bonnyrigg boss Alan Miller doesn't have his worries to seek going into tomorrow's game, having seen a number of players suffer injuries in that narrow defeat at Bo'ness. James Morrice and Scott Ritchie both went off in the opening 20 minutes, while Ally Reid also suffered a nasty knock after coming on as a substitute.

"James Morrice had an X-ray at the weekend but the swelling was so bad that there was nothing definitive so he'll be getting another one this week," said Miller.

"Alastair Reid will be getting an X-ray, too, while Scott Ritchie has a problem in his back/pelvic area. That's why you have a squad, though, and it's up to those who come into the side in such a situation to grab their chance."

Miller, who was disappointed with the nature of the two goals his team conceded at Bo'ness, is well aware of the good work being done by Pittman at Broxburn.

"By all accounts, they were unlucky to lose at Musselburgh and they are a club developing nicely with a new ground being built at the moment.

"They have a very experienced manager and he has assembled a good team there, but we are looking forward to this match, too.

"We can't keep saying we've been unlucky in games, though. It is not bad luck when you don't do things right and I was not pleased at all with the goals we conceded last Saturday."

As Miller hinted following the signing of Mark Robertson from Linlithgow, young right back David Caine has returned to Stenhousemuir, while summer capture Kevin McLeish is back in training after his knee surgery and should be in contention for a top-team place in two or three weeks.