Buckie Thistle and Lossiemouth set for Scottish Cup first round derby clash
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THERE won’t be many surprises in store for Lossiemouth and Buckie Thistle in the first round of the Scottish Cup tomorrow.
National cup competitions often mean new surroundings and match-ups never seen before – but for the Coasters and the Jags it will be an equally as hotly-anticipated Moray derby clash at Grant Park.
Buckie will go into the match as the bookies’ favourites, having beaten Lossiemouth 6-0 in the same fixture in the Highland League in August, but midfielder Andy MacAskill is not taking anything for granted.
“The result recently means nothing,” he said. “Football is funny and things can change in a short period of time.
“Since we played them, they have gone on a really good run and will be full of confidence.
“Their results in recent weeks show they are capable on their day. They’re capable of winning against teams higher up.
“We’ve beaten teams from leagues above and there are shocks every year.
“We won’t take anything for granted. It’s the Scottish Cup so we are well aware anything could happen.”
Lossiemouth manager Joe Russell is aware it’ll be a tough tie, but anticipates it being a different match to the 6-0.
“It’s a shame we got another Highland League team, because you kind of want a team you haven’t played,” he admitted.
“But we hope we can get through and get someone new in the next round.
“Buckie isn’t going to be easy but we are looking forward to it. We always try to give a good account of ourselves and we didn’t do that in the 6-0 match so it’s about improving.
“We want to compete with teams like Buckie. It’s a cup game and anything can happen.
“It’s about getting through the game and getting the win, so we can afford to be a bit more adventurous.
“It’s a massive game for the club and the players, trying to get into the next round of the Scottish Cup, but it’ll be a difficult tie for sure.”
Lossiemouth’s task will be made harder by the absence of Adam MacLeod, on loan from Buckie, who has a calf injury. Martin Charlesworth (back) is also out, while Lewis McAndrew and Ryan Stuart are away.
Buckie are still without Kevin Fraser and Sam Morrison, who are injured long-term.
