History beckons for Harestanes in Scottish

Harestanes celebrate a goal in their Scottish Amateur Cup success which earned them the right to play in the Scottish Cup proper

Harestanes qualified for the mainstream competition by winning the Scottish Amateur Cup in May, becoming the first ever winners of the trophy to be invited into the senior competition.

As a result they will take on Ayrshire junior side Girvan in a first preliminary round tie this Saturday.

Because Harestanes’ own Merkland base isn’t suitable to accommodate the match it will be played at junior side Kilsyth Rangers’ Duncansfield stadium.

But the fact that the match isn’t being played in Kirkintilloch hasn’t lessened the sense of anticipation for everyone connected with the club.

Harestanes secretary Ian Colston admitted the club will be seen as flag bearers for the amateur game as a whole.

He said: “Girvan are a good side who will probably expect to go through but we hope that we will be able to show the amateur game in a good light.

“The SAFA have been very helpful in helping us and have given us a free week with no midweek fixtures so we can prepare for the match.

“We want to try to put on a good show and although the game is in Kilsyth hopefully the local community can get along to support us.”

Kick-off on Saturday is 3pm and admission is are £5 for adults and £2 for concessions.