Scottish Cup: Huntly ready for tough cup clash with Glasgow side Pollok
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HUNTLY manager Allan Hale has said there was an “extra buzz” about the club’s training sessions this week ahead of the club’s Scottish Cup first round clash tomorrow night.
The Black and Golds are set to make the trip to Glasgow to take on Pollok at Newlandsfield Park, with the match kicking off at 7.45pm.
The game was originally due to be screened live on BBC Scotland, but coverage was cancelled on Wednesday “due to exceptional demand on resources” after the Queen’s death.
The match is expected to be close to a sell-out, with around 900 fans in attendance.
Hale hopes his side, who he admits are big underdogs, can give a good account of themselves.
“Training has been really positive,” he said.
“When it’s Scottish Cup week, regardless of whether it’s on TV, there’s an extra buzz about training and players have an extra bit of intensity.
“The crowd is capped at 900 and it’s expected to be close to a sell out so it’ll be something new for the players in terms of atmosphere.
“It’s a different team, a different challenge, but I’m sure it’s one the players will rise to.
“Hopefully the players can give a good account of themselves, the club and the Highland League.
“It’s about trying to give the best account of ourselves that we can.”
Hale is under no illusions as to the strength of Pollok, who sit sixth in the West of Scotland Premier League with seven points from four matches. Last season they finished third in the league.
In the preliminary round, Pollok beat Girvan 6-0 at home.
However, he knows his side is capable of causing them some issues.
“We’ve done our homework on Pollok and we know it’s going to be a difficult game,” he added.
“They are a very experienced side, most of their squad has SPFL experience and their average age is close to 30, but we are looking forward to it.
“They are used to winning on their own patch and are used to competing for trophies and advancing to latter stages of cup competitions.
“We know they will be favourites but it’s a tie we are looking forward to.
“We’ve done well in the Scottish Cup recently and if the players equip themselves then we have the ability to cause them problems.
“If we stand up in the first 15 minutes and come through without conceding then we can grow into the game and hopefully use our pace and quality to good effect.”
The Black and Golds players will leave Huntly at around midday tomorrow, stay in Glasgow after the match and will return on Saturday.
Unfortunately, there will be no supporters’ bus running to the match.
