Harestanes up for the cup

The Kirkintilloch side take on Ayrshire junior side Girvan in the first preliminary round of the competition, to be played at Kilsyth Rangers’ Duncansfield ground next Saturday, August 15.

Harestanes booked their place in the competition after winning the Scottish Amateur Cup in May and club secretary Ian Colston admitted that they would be carrying the flag for the amateur game as a whole as well as for themselves.

He said: “We’re up against a good junior side in Girvan who will probably expect to go through but we hope to show the amateur game in a good light.

Ian also revealed that the Harestanes were only told of the possibility of participation after their Amateur Cup victory over Craigshill at Rugby Park.

He said: “We found out five minutes after we got back into the changing room after the final.

“I was told that it had been agreed informally, although it still had to be formally ratified at that stage.

“When I went into the dressing room the boys were all jumping so I had to quieten them down - and that tell them they were now going to play in the Scottish Cup proper.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for us and we’re all looking forward to it.”