Cup minnows take next step on road to final

FIVE Scottish Hydro Premier Three sides aim to move a step closer to a dream day at Murrayfield when they play their respective Premier Cup round two ties this afternoon.

Falkirk are looking forward to testing themselves against Melrose at the Greenyards (1pm) after last week's fine 15-13 win over leaders Hillhead/Jordanhill kept them in the promotion hunt. The Sunnyside men will relish the opportunity to play against Craig Chalmers' charges who have been in the last two finals at Murrayfield.

Falkirk's title rivals, Howe of Fife, also travel to a top-flight team looking to cause a shock and after last season's victory over Glasgow Hawks they will be quietly confident heading to Burnbrae to face West of Scotland (12.30pm). If Falkirk or Howe do not progress there is sure to be at least be one Premier Three side in the last eight with giantkillers Cartha Queens Park, who saw off Boroughmuir on Tuesday, hosting Perthshire at Dumbreck at noon.

And after their superb round win over Aberdeen Grammar in round one, Ardrossan Accies welcome George Graham's Gala outfit to the Memorial Ground (2.30pm).

Elsewhere today, relegated Stewart's Melville face a daunting high noon trip to Millbrae to face an Ayr team still smarting from two close British & Irish Cup losses.

In the final tie Premier Two promotion hopefuls Stirling County meet Selkirk at Bridgehaugh (2.30pm).