NINETY minutes separate three East Lothian teams from the chance to play league teams in the Scottish Cup.

Dunbar United and Musselburgh Athletic secured their spot in the first round of the famous competition last month and have been joined by Tranent, who enter the tournament at this stage, as they play their cup ties on Saturday.

The three clubs are looking to win a place in the second round of the cup, where they could face teams from League Two.

Dunbar come into the game on the back of a confidence-boosting win over Luncarty on Saturday.

 

 

Manager Kevin Haynes is now ready to welcome Bo’ness Athletic – who lost to Preston Athletic at the weekend – to New Countess Park.

Haynes said: “We had somebody at the game and I know Stevie McLeish [Preston manager] very well. He will give me any information I need to know and we will be prepared, as will they.

“Without wanting to sound arrogant, I’m not really too fussed about Bo’ness and, if we do what we are good at, we are a match for anybody.”

The 2-1 win over Luncarty included a strike from new signing Paul Currie, who was previously player/co-manager at Preston Athletic.

Haynes highlighted that the pair had known each other for years and said: “I just felt in this current spell we are in of not picking up results, his experience would help massively and effectively him managing the team from the pitch, and that would be a huge help to myself.

“To the players, having somebody with that valued experience to look at and get a bit of motivation from is great.

“Ultimately, he has done exactly what we have looked for him to do on Saturday. He popped up and scored the winner on his debut and long may that continue.”

 

 

Meanwhile, a Nicky Reid strike was enough to give Musselburgh victory at Penicuik Athletic in the previous round.

Manager Liam Burns was looking forward to welcoming Darvel to Olivebank, which hosted three-time winners Clyde last season.

He said: “It should be a big day after the small success we had last year. We know exactly how much it can mean to get past this stage.

“We are playing Darvel, which is something a wee bit different. They are from through the west and had some well-documented success against Aberdeen a few years ago.

“We are very much looking forward to it and it should be one of the standout ties of the round.”

Musselburgh come into the game on the back of a 5-1 triumph over Glenrothes at the weekend. Victory last time out took the Honest Toun team to second in the table, with just one defeat from their opening eight league games.

Burns said: “Darvel seem to have a good balance in terms of the squad. They have got experienced players who have played at a good level and young boys who give them energy.

“It is like what I have tried to do with my squad.

“We have had a really good start to the season and do not fear anybody, but they will be well respected.”

 

 

Finally, Tranent travel to Dundee North End, who defeated Tayport in the previous round.

Jonny Stewart will be enjoying his first taste of the Scottish Cup as manager but knows all about the competition, having been part of the Bonnyrigg Rose side who knocked Dumbarton out in 2016.

He said: “It is a big game for the club, myself and the players. It is a great competition, very early doors, but it is a competition that can create memories, special memories.

“We will look to go as far as we can in the competition. League is your bread and butter, but it is nice to play in these competitions.

“Everyone knows the Scottish Cup and hopefully we can go on a decent run and come up against bigger teams in the latter stages.

“It is good for the club financially and great for the players and management to come up against higher opposition.”

Before that, attention is firmly focused on taking on their first-round opposition, who are taking part in the cup by virtue of winning the Midlands League last season.

Stewart said of the opposition: “We have had them watched and will treat them with respect, like we do every other team we play.

“We have got a match report on them and know it is going to be a difficult game.”