Close encounter expected as Thistle and Students vie for Alex Jack Cup

Lothian Thistle and Stirling University clash in the final of the Alex Jack Cup tomorrow at the Falkirk Stadium, kick-off 1.30pm, with both sides determined to lift the trophy.

The two sides have already met twice in this season's Central Taxis Premier Division with the students winning both games - 3-2 at Saughton Enclosure and 4-2 at home.

"I felt that we were hard done by in both games," said Lothian's joint manager, Fraser Ogilvie although he added: "Stirling are an excellent side. They are very well organised and we will have to match them. Chic McAleavy, Mickey Weir and myself believe that we are also well organised and have been working hard in training over the past few weeks, especially at set-pieces."

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Lothian Thistle have not had a game for two weeks because of the weather conditions which means that the entire squad, with the exception of Richie Wilkes who is working abroad, is fit and available for the final.

"We have worked hard to get to the cup final, especially in the semi-final when we beat Gretna 2008, even although it was decided on penalties," said Ogilvie. "Our training has been good for these past two weeks and when the players heard that the final was going to be at the Falkirk Stadium they have been buzzing. Both ourselves and Stirling like to play football so I can guarantee that it will not be kick and chase.

"We may be the under-dogs in what is a massive game for the club but we have built a really good team and now it is up to the players to prove what they can do."

Lothian will be looking to their experienced players including goalkeeper Kevin Swain, pictured, defender Jim Young and striker Craig Hume to help their case and pick up the cup they last won two seasons ago.

Stirling University, meanwhile, are going into the final on the back of a 2-0 defeat from Whitehill Welfare. "Whitehill were very good," said Stirling's head coach, Raleigh Gowrie, himself a former Whitehill star. "We have shown a bit of indifferent form recently. When we have been good we have been very good but in other games we have been off the pace.

"As far as team selection is concerned we have some difficult decisions to make.

"Creag Robertson is fit, Abraham Keller scored four goals last week and Emmot Parr-Gallagher is trying to fight his way back in while we have seven midfield players vying for a starting berth."

n The East of Scotland FA would like to thank Falkirk FC for offering the use of their stadium where the game kicks-off at 1.30pm. Admission prices, adults 5.00 and concessions 2.00.

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