From Hibs to Annbank for Irvine

Published on Tuesday 15 December 2009 22:22

IRVINE Meadow will move from an away tie in the Active Nation Scottish Cup fourth round against SPL Hibs to hosting a home game against Annbank in the Emirates Junior Cup in the space of just a week next month.

The draw at Hampden ensured the Ayrshire side will keep their feet on the ground after their trip to Easter Road with club official Iain McQueen saying: "Annbank will get as much respect as Hibs will as progression in the Emirates Cup is really important to us."

Scottish Junior secretary Tom Johnston said: "Knowing how unpredictable football can be, Irvine will probably beat Hibs and then lose to Annbank. In all serious Irvine have done well in the Senior competition and I'm sure they are desperate to progress in the Emirates as well."

Johnston was delighted that Emirates Airlines came on board to sponsor the annual tournament earlier this year saying: "The profile of our competition has undoubtedly increased since Emirates took over and long may that continue."

Emirates sales manager Denise Holmes, who conducted the draw along with SFA's head of refereeing development Hugh Dallas, is delighted that their sponsorship has captured the public's imagination. He said: "We normally go for much bigger sponsorship deals such as Arsenal, but this deal is a thank-you to the Scottish public for the way they have supported us through our six years here."

Holders Auchinleck Talbot have been drawn at home to Dundee Violet, with last season's beaten finalists Clydebank facing Port Glasgow. Top West side Beith face the winners of the outstanding Maryhill and Forth tie with leading East side Bo'ness travelling to Blantyre Victoria. Bo'ness manager Allan McGonigal said: "We would've preferred to be at home but will just need to get on with things."

Fourth-round draw

Blantyre Vics v Bo'ness United, Renfrew v Tayport, Larkhall Thistle v Newtongrange Star, Clydebank v Port Glasgow, Linlithgow Rose v Cumnock, East Kilbride Thistle/Hill of Beath, Hawthorn v Arthurlie, Beith v Maryhill/Forth, Cambuslang Rangers v Rutherglen Glencairn/Johnstone Burgh/Vale of Clyde, Shotts Bon Accord v Hurlford, Whitletts Victoria v Forfar West End, Irvine Meadow v Annbank, Kilbirnie Ladeside v Kirkintilloch Rob Roy, Auchinleck Talbot v Dundee Violet, Bathgate Thistle v Glenrothes, Lochee United v Ballingry, Bonnyrigg Rose v Largs Thistle. Ties to be played on Saturday, 16 January with a 1:45pm kick-off.