Shotts Bon Accord wary of Kilbirnie threat

Dec 19 2012 By Andrew Weston

Shotts Bon Accord

Shotts Bon Accord boss Tony McInally expects a tough West of Scotland Cup encounter against big spenders Kilbirnie Ladeside this weekend.

The side’s clash at Valefield in round two and despite Shotts being a division above the Super First outfit, McInally feels it will be a tight affair.

“They are a very good side who have spent a lot of money in the summer,” he said this week.

“I would think they are certainties for promotion. There is quality throughout their side and, if you looked at it on an individual basis, they probably have better players than us.”

Kilbirnie have spent money bringing in experienced Juniors such a Kevin MacDonald, who has played for Irvine Meadow and Rob Roy, and Shaun Dillon, previously at Irvine Meadow and Pollok. Up front they have Mark Archdeacon, who played at Clyde, and Ryan Smillie from Queen of the South. Former Rangers youth star Chris Craig and Junior internationalist David McKeown also are in their ranks.

McInally added: “It took them a wee while to steady the ship due to a new management team going in and the new players signing. But they now have a settled team and formation so will be a tough nut to crack.”

Shotts have not kicked a ball in anger since their 4-2 Scottish Junior Cup win at Greenock on November 17 whilst the Ayrshire side have played three matches since then and are unbeaten in their past six games. Despite the lack of competitive action McInally feels his side will be fully prepared for Saturday.

The former Lanark boss said: “We have been pretty fortunate to have trained throughout the cold spell except on a couple of occasions, so the boys have been ticking over.

“We had two good sessions on Saturday and Monday evening at Ravenscraig and it’s just frustrating there have been no games. Kilbirnie have been on good form but we’ll be ready.”