New kids on the block set for cup final

Stirling UNIVERSITY and Gretna 2008, the new kids on the block in East Seniors football, clash at Albert Park, Hawick, on Sunday in the final of the prestigious Image Printers East of Scotland Qualifying Cup.

Both clubs joined the East of Scotland Football Association in 2008 and already they have made an impact. Stirling are the current Central Taxis 
Premier Division champions, while Gretna have already won this competition in only their second season.

Stirling have warmed up for Sunday’s final with two comprehensive league victories, a 6-2 win over Civil Service Strollers last Saturday, followed by a 7-2 demolition of 
Tynecastle in midweek.

Raleigh Gowrie, the former Whitehill Welfare and Spartans player who is now sports 
performance manager at Stirling University, said: “This is a cup that Stirling University has never won in our relatively short history. We have played Gretna twice this season in the league and won both games, but Sunday will be a different experience. Gretna have strengthened their squad and have had some very good results.

“Both teams try to play the game through passing the ball and I predict that this will be a closely fought match.”

Stirling head coach Eddie May will make late decisions on his team selection, with Jason Atkins and Lee Nichol in line for places, while Gretna have both Dean Rea and Adam McMath available after serving their respective suspensions.

The game kicks off at 2.30pm. Admission is £5 for adults and £2 for concessions.