More cup frustration looking likely for Linlithgow players

LINLITHGOW ROSE players look set for a watching brief for the third Saturday in a row after the prospects for their Emirates Scottish Junior Cup clash against Whitletts Victoria in Ayr were rated at "less than 50 per cent" due to the weather, writes MARTIN DEMPSTER.

A fortnight ago a number of Linlithgow players turned up in their maroon tracksuits at Bathgate to watch their Junior Cup clash against Bo'ness and some were also at New Dundas Park last Saturday to see Bonnyrigg play Kelty in the Super League.

They'd obviously prefer to be playing themselves but, according to Whitletts manager Jim Geddes, it's unlikely that's going to happen tomorrow.

"We've got quite a bit of snow down here and I would say the chances of the game going ahead this weekend are less than 50 per cent," he said.

"It is frustrating for everyone and, having played just two games in the last 13 weeks, we are certainly going to be rusty when the game is finally played."

Despite having home advantage Geddes reckons his side are massive underdogs, though Linlithgow boss Dave Baikie will have taken note of the fact that Forfar West End, the Ayrshire outfit's victims in the last round, are unbeaten in the East Region Premier Division this season.

"We're a side that is in the very early stages of progressing," added Geddes. "Linlithgow play at a better level than us and have done so for a lot of years, but my players are enjoying playing against better teams now and we are certainly looking forward to this game."