Forres Mechanics are ready for Glasgow University challenge in Scottish Cup first round
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THERE is an extra buzz about Forres Mechanics this week ahead of Saturday’s Scottish Cup clash with Glasgow University.
That’s according to manager Steven MacDonald, who said the Cans’ first round opponents will be “well-organised” and operate at a good level.
“We’ve had reports on them from their previous Scottish Cup game,” MacDonald said.
“We never got a chance to see them after that first round, but we’ve watched videos and reports are that they are a good, well-organised side with a manager who has been involved at a good level.
"With university sides, the key is who they’ve got available on the day.
“University is back, the holiday period over, and plus it’s the Scottish Cup so I’m sure they’ll all turn up.
“They are a good team with some good individual players and they’ll have hidden gems so they’ll be very tricky opponents.”
Glasgow University play in the third tier of the West of Scotland Football League set-up, and have two wins and three defeats from their opening five matches.
Although they are a university side by name, not all of their players are current students – with a recent change allowing graduates to play for the team.
It’s a slight step into the unknown for Mechanics, but one they are looking forward to.
“The Scottish Cup always gives you that extra buzz,” MacDonald said.
“It’s totally away from the week in, week out, of the league. Most of the players know what it’s like, but for the young boys it’s a different experience.
“It’s a chance to play different players and you don’t know what you’re getting into. It’s an exciting time for everyone and a huge game for the club financially.
“Looking further down the line there’s a chance to get bigger ties, but we need to take it one stage at a time and focus on Saturday.
“We are itching to get going again as we feel we have let ourselves down in the last two matches.”
Mechanics are as close to full strength as possible, with nine substitutes available on Saturday.
Joe Gauld will miss out through injury, but is in rehab and will not need surgery.
