Drumpellier strive to build on cup record

Drumpellier continue to defy the odds in the face of adversity – and today they aim to round off a memorable week by beating fallen giants Freuchie to maintain their 100 per cent Scottish Cup record.

Off the field, the Coatbridge troops don’t have problems to seek in terms of money worries and the recovery from an attack on their clubhouse by fire raisers. But they head for Muir Road on one of their biggest highs for decades, having dramatically pipped Kelburne in the final of the Rowan Cup at Shawholm.

In the same section, Stuart Chalmers of Watsonians hopes to step up his return from injury by continuing his bowling 
momentum at the expense of Weirs at Myreside.

Forfarshire went within a whisker of stunning their Angus neighbours Arbroath last weekend and will have the bit between their teeth when they head for New Williamfield to tackle basement boys Stirling County. The visitors will be expecting another notable contribution by Matty Parker, whose century against his former 
Arbroath mates was in vain.

The County line-up is likely to show few changes, but they could reshuffle the batting order. Spokesman Graeme Taylor stated: “We need to find the right combinations. We will stand a good chance if we don’t let them get off to a flying start.”

Arbroath are Paisley bound to face a Kelburne team who will be keen to hit back following their so-near-yet-so-far showing in the Rowan showdown.

Group A is as tight as they come with all four teams in with a qualification shout. The club with “go forward” is East Kilbride, thanks to their clear-cut success against Cydesdale at Titwood. This weekend they are at Inverleith to face SMRH, with Umair Saeed and Craig Smith back for the visitors.

Group H is the other nip and tuck section, where joint pacesetters Carlton and West of Scotland face Prestwick and Corstorphine respectively.