Osbourne is hoping spy trip on Thistle will give Arniston the edge

ARNISTON RANGERS boss Stephen Osbourne is hoping Largs Thistle suffer a second dose of Cup disappointment tomorrow.

Osbourne watched the Ayrshire side lose 3-1 at home to Lanark in the West of Scotland Cup last weekend. Now, he’s hoping Thistle, the beaten finalists two seasons ago, will also soon be licking their wounds in the Scottish Junior Cup.

“They are a side who pass the ball well and are capable of hurting you if they are allowed to get that side of their game going,” said Osbourne, who added: “But I also saw areas where you can get at them and we’ve been working on that at training this week.

“If we turn up on Saturday and play to our capabilities then I honestly think we will be in with a good chance.”

Osbourne led Edinburgh United on a run in last season’s competition only to miss out on their big day – a home tie against Glasgow giants Arthurlie.

“I was unable to be at that due to work commitments,” he recalled. “I’m not missing out this time, though, and am looking forward to this test.

“There’s no doubt the Musselburgh v Auchinleck is the tie of the round, but this is a big one for us, too, and we are going there to try and enjoy it.”

Dean Thornhill is out with an ankle injury but Jordan Leishman returned to training this week.

Elsewhere, Super League champions Bo’ness face Sauchie in an all-East Region tie while Whitburn are away to Kelty.