Partick face cup specialists County in semis

Published on Thursday 9 September 2010 20:13

The semi-final draw for the Alba Challenge Cup threw together two north v south ties with home advantage resting with the northern sides.

Partick Thistle, who have never reached the final of the Challenge Cup, make the trek to Dingwall to face cup specialists Ross County in the game selected for live TV coverage by the sponsor on Sunday, October 10.

Second Division Peterhead face 2002 winners Queen of the South with that game expected to be moved to Saturday, October 9, the day after Scotland play in the Czech Republic.

Despite recent success in cup competitions, including four semi-final appearances in five years in the Challenge Cup and lifting the trophy in 2006 as well as a Scottish Cup final appearance this May, Ross County Director of Football, George Adams believes his side are underdogs.

Adams, a former Partick player in the 1970s, insisted: "Partick Thistle will be favourites for this game and they will be well up for it as they will want to add a final appearance to the fine history at the club.

"We are building a tradition at Ross County but there is a bit to go before it becomes as good as Partick's."

"They are a big club and I have huge respect for them and for their manager Ian McCall. I have spoken to our manager and he is pleased to be at home but wary of our opponents."

Peterhead's Bobby Mann, who was part of a victorious Inverness Caledonian Thistle side in 2003, is pleased that the Blue Toon are at home as it gives them a fighting chance. Mann, who is recovering from an ankle injury but hopes to be fit in time for the semi-final, said: "Facing a side from a higher division is a hard task so at least being at home evens things up a bit."