Replay has given Preston's Duthie a new lease of life

PRESTON ATHLETIC'S Mark Duthie, a man of many clubs including Meadowbank Thistle, Livingston, Ayr United, Ross County and Stranraer, never thought that at the age of 38 he would be preparing for another Scottish Cup tie but that is exactly what he is doing as he looks forward to tomorrow's second round replay away to Annan Athletic.

"Obviously some of the biggest games in a footballer's life are Scottish Cup days and to be getting one like we had last weekend when we drew 0-0 with Annan was fantastic," said Duthie. "It was hard in horrible weather conditions although Annan did not really threaten us apart from long-range shots. As a unit we defended very well and at full-time we were delighted knowing that we have to do it all again.

"It will be interesting to see how Annan react because the home fans will want them to attack and hopefully that will leave spaces for us to get into. Also, the conditions should be better and we will try to keep 11 men on the park which means that we should have more control of things.

"We have players who can create chances and I am optimistic that we can give a good account of ourselves. I certainly never saw anything last Saturday to scare us."