THE chance to run out at Murrayfield Stadium is fuelling Preston Lodge as they attempt to complete a league and cup double.

Mark Steedman’s side clinched an immediate return to National League Division Two in February and are now looking to reach the last four of the National League Cup.

Standing in their way are Falkirk, who are flying high near the top of National League Division Two.

Steedman described the contest, which kicks off at the Pennypit at 3pm, as their “biggest test” of the season.

He said: “We are definitely looking forward to it.

“On the back of the league campaign, we are really trying to target this as much as we can.

“We could have done with a few more run-outs before the game; we have been struggling for game time recently.

“It is a funny time of the year as we are taking part when the Inter-Districts are taking place as well.

Mark Steedman

Mark Steedman

“We have one player, Scott Clark, in that, so it does not affect us majorly but it is a funny time to have them in place.

“The boys are really up for taking it. It is a home fixture and hopefully the weather is alright and we have everything in place for the weekend.”

While Preston Lodge have enjoyed an impressive campaign, losing just one of their 18 league games en route to lifting the National League Division Three title, Falkirk have also had a campaign to remember.

They sit third in the tier above and have tasted defeat just four times from their 17 encounters.

Steedman acknowledged it would be a challenge but pointed out that the winners had another home fixture to look forward to in the semi-finals, against either Boroughmuir or Newton Stewart.

 

 

From there, attention turns to the final, which will be played in the Capital.

Preston Lodge have already eliminated both Whitecraigs and Murrayfield Wanderers, while Falkirk ended the hopes of Stewartry and Gordonians.

The head coach said: “It is something we targeted at the mid part of the season, to try not to finish the season too early and stay in the cup.

“My only concern is the lack of games between the league and the cup quarter-final.

“But the boys are driving it themselves.

“It does not matter what the cup competition is, if you get a chance to run out at Murrayfield, you have got to take that as motivating them.”

Meanwhile, Dunbar wrap up their season when they host Corstorphine in East Region League Division Two on Saturday.

The Hallhill side will hope to finish the campaign on a high and move above Penicuik to finish as runners-up behind Dalkeith.

Corstorphine sit three places below their hosts and were on the wrong end of a 20-29 defeat when the clubs met back in September.