MUSSELBURGH Athletic manager Liam Burns has urged fans not to read too much into a previous cup meeting with Bo’ness United as his club attempts to write another chapter in the history books.

The Honest Toun team are just 90 minutes away from being in the draw for the fourth round of the Scottish Cup, alongside teams from the Scottish Premiership.

Standing in their way are Bo’ness United, who Musselburgh knocked out of the South of Scotland Challenge Cup just a fortnight ago.

Burns was looking forward to this weekend’s Scottish Cup third-round tie at Burgh’s Olivebank home but stressed that the previous victory would play little role in who was victorious this time.

He said: “We are very much looking forward to it and have been looking forward to it since the last round.

“You are then looking forward to it even more when you hear the draw. It is a big day for the club.

“Obviously, we were pleased with the victory against Bo’ness previously but they are very much two completely different games.

“In terms of at their place, it is a big Astroturf and, obviously, conditions will be different at Olivebank on Saturday.

“I would be saying it either way and, if we had got beaten, I would not read anything into it either.”

Liam Burns (centre) will be hoping Musselburgh Athletic continue their fine formLiam Burns (centre) will be hoping Musselburgh Athletic continue their fine form Both teams come into the game on the back of a weekend which left them sidelined.

Musselburgh had been due to travel north to face Jeanfield Swifts in a top-of-the-table East of Scotland Football League Premier Division clash.

Meanwhile, Bo’ness United were due to face off against Scottish Lowland Football League (SLFL) leaders East Kilbride.

However, Storm Bert had other ideas and wiped out the vast majority of lower-league fixtures across the country.

Burns gave his side the day off and is now fully focused on the Scottish Cup.

 

 

He said: “I think it could be, naturally, a bit more cagey than the last meeting but, to be honest, it is probably lined up for a really, really good game.

“I think it is two good sides and there were lots of goals in the last meeting.

“They were the better side in the first half but we were the better side in the second half and better in extra time.”

Musselburgh have already overcome Penicuik Athletic, Darvel and Caledonian Braves to reach the third round of the competition for the first time in the club’s history.

Victory on Saturday would open the door to the possibility of playing against one of the best teams in the country, as sides from the top flight join the Road to Hampden.

READ MORE: Liam Burns praises victorious Musselburgh Athletic side

However, Burns was not looking beyond 3pm on Saturday as his side take on SLFL opposition for the second time on their Scottish Cup journey.

He said: “In the last round, we played Caledonian Braves and there was very little in the game.

“I am expecting the same on Saturday.

“Bo’ness are a good side and they have got good players but so do we.

“We have got a good record against Lowland League sides this year and we have got a really good record at home.”