Rose handed Scottish Cup trip to Beith

Sep 2 2010 West Lothian Courier

DAVE BAIKIE admits his side face a tough challenge if they wish to have an extended run in the Scottish Cup this season.

The Linlithgow Rose manager watched his side handed a first-round tie away to West Superleague champions Beith Juniors yesterday (Wednesday).

Rose, who earned their place in Scotland’s premier cup competition after winning the Junior Scottish Cup last season, will visit Bellsdale Park on the weekend of September 25.

It is a tough first hurdle for Rose and Baikie admits he would have preferred to avoid a fellow Junior club at this stage.

He said: “It would have been nice to have maybe played a different side, one who we don’t normally play.

“We know Beith will be a tough draw as they are one of the top sides in the West of Scotland and of course the current West Superleague champions.

“They have also started this current season really well, so it will be a very hard game for us.

“We all want to advance as far as we can in the Scottish Cup, both for the supporters and for the financial benefits and we’ll do our best.

“I would say Beith will start as favourites for the tie as they have home advantage but we’re all looking forward to the games now.”