Linlithgow manager right to fear giantkillers Oakley

LINLITHGOW boss Dave Baikie admits his players will only have themselves to blame if they underestimate the side that proved the scourge of Super League clubs in Cup competitions last season.

The Scottish Cup holders travel to Oakley in the first round of the East of Scotland Cup tomorrow and it would be apt if the warning signs were flashing as Baikie's boys head across the Forth Road Bridge.

A year ago, Linlithgow lost at home to the same opponents as they launched their defence of the Fife & Lothians Cup and the Fifers proved that was no fluke by adding the scalps of Bo'ness and Bonnyrigg later in the season.

"Oakley were the scourge of the Super League last year so we know this will be a tough one for us," admitted Baikie. "We were the holders when they knocked us out last season and, though it's a different competition, that's also the case this time."

Oakley have started their season with three victories, scoring 11 goals and conceding only one, to sit proudly at the top of the Central Division.

But a significant difference from 12 months ago is that Linlithgow have also made a flying start to their campaign, leading the Super League on goal difference from Hill of Beath after three straight wins.

According to Baikie, his side's latest triumph, 2-0 at home win over Kelty Hearts last Saturday, was a perfect illustration of the winning mentality his players are developing.

"We couldn't have asked for a much better start to the season," admitted the Lithgae manager. "Last weekend we didn't play fantastic but did enough to win.

"We created the better chances and could have had half a dozen goals if we'd taken them. Last season, though, that was the type of game we might have lost and that's the difference.

"I think we are well organised at the moment and I am also pleased with the consistency of our performances. We don't have that big a squad but, at the same time, we are strong in terms of the players I can select.

"I can look at the bench at the moment and know I've got three players sitting there who can make a positive effect on the game, that maybe wasn't the case last season."

One player who has certainly impressed Baikie so far this season is Stuart McArthur. Nicknamed "Tank", he's going out on the pitch at the moment will all guns blazing.

"I think Stuart's fitness is a lot better this season," observed Baikie.

What Bonnyrigg boss Alan Miller will be looking for tomorrow is, plain and simply, a win when his side entertain Harthill Royal. Rose lost 2-0 at home to Hill of Beath in the league last weekend and Miller's men will be hoping to bounce back with a good performance against South Division opponents.

Newtongrange are also at home, to Central Division side Steelend Vics, Bo'ness travel to Angus to take on Montrose Roselea while Bathgate entertain Rosyth.