Wishaw Juniors back into the Scottish Cup action

Oct 1 2008 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

AFTER Saturday's enforced layoff because of the September Weekend holiday, Wishaw Juniors are back to business this week with a long trip north to Aberdeenshire to face Longside in round one of the Scottish Junior Cup.

Longside are based seven miles from Peterhead and play in the North Premier division and will be tough opponents for the Wishaw lads.

Seven years ago Wishaw made the exact same journey to Longside losing out on that occasion by three goals to one.

However, this time manager Alex Young is confident that his young side can pull off a surprise result and go through to the next round.

The club are hoping to complete the signing of a player before the cup match who has previously played under Young.

The defender has been playing junior football elsewhere and will bring a bit of experience to the back four.

Also signed up is Cambusnethan lad David Coulter, who has featured in recent Wishaw line-ups as a trialist.

Cultured midfielder David was formerly with Wishaw Colts before spending a couple of years in the Partick Thistle youth set up.

Meanwhile off the field, the club was recently approached by businessman Ian McKenzie, of Netherton company TRI-FIX Fasteners, offering to help with the cost of the bus to Longside.

Ian spotted the club's appeal for help in the Wishaw Press a fortnight ago and when he heard the club were facing a financial loss on the journey he agreed to underwrite this.

Robert Watson, club secretary, expressed his appreciation of the gesture and also that of club shirt sponsors The Commercial Hotel who donated a 40oz whisky bottle to be raffled on the bus.

Robert added: “We also received an anonymous donation from a local businessman towards the cost of providing a meal for the team on the way north which was also much appreciated.”

There are still a small number of seats available for anyone who wants to travel with the team – contact Robert on 07764 223057.