Higgins is hoping for cup final joy

Published on Saturday 3 October 2009 19:48

DUNDEE striker Sean Higgins goes in to this afternoon's ALBA Challenge Cup semi-final with Third Division Annan Athletic looking to put a triple dose of misery in the competition behind him. Higgins, a losing goal-scoring finalist with Ross County last season when Airdrie United won on penalties, also lost out when Falkirk defeated County in the final in November 2004.

The Dingwall side did, of course, win the competition on penalties against Clyde three years ago, however the 24-year-old, who scored twice in a 4-1 semi final win over Albion Rovers, missed out on that game because of illness. This season has seen more bad luck for the striker in the ALBA Challenge Cup with Higgins saying, "We got a bye in the first round, I was suspended for the second against Cowdenbeath and then out injured when we won at Stirling. I am over my injury now and forced my way back into the team so hopefully my luck is turning for the better."

He added: "I like the ALBA Challenge Cup as it gives you the chance of a cup final early in the season. I have a great record leading up to the final and then it seems I get a bit unlucky. I have never won it and I can't remember the last time Dundee won it, so perhaps this will be our year – although there is a lot of football to be played before that."

The Dark Blues won the inaugural competition in season 1990-1991, however if they are to prosper this season they need to fully respect their Third Division rivals with Higgins saying: "It is a home tie and we will be favourites for that reason alone. We can't however just turn up and expect to go through. I have never played against Annan before but you have to respect what they have done since they came into the SFL."