The semi-finals of the IRN-BRU Cup go ahead this weekend, with four clubs in two cross-border ties seeking a place in the final on March 24/25.
The New Saints v Dumbarton - Saturday
Referee: Neil Doyle
TV: Live on S4C, 7.35pm
Dumbarton head for Oswestry having already beaten Welsh opponents in the IRN-BRU Cup this season – Stevie Aitken’s men edged past Connah’s Quay 2-1 in the second round after beating the Rangers U20 side by the same score in round one. The Sons were also 2-1 winners against Stranraer in round three and were at home again in the quarter-finals when they beat Raith Rovers 2-0. The New Saints have also enjoyed home advantage throughout the competition – they saw off Livingston on penalties after a 1-1 draw then notched up a 4-0 win over Elgin City in round three. TNS, who are clear at the top of the Welsh League, got the better of Queen of the South in a quarter-final shoot-out after a 0-0 draw at Park Hall.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Crusaders - Sunday
Referee: Bryn Markham Jones
TV: Live on BBC ALBA, 5.15pm
Caley Thistle, who won this trophy in 2003/04 in John Robertson's first spell as manager, beat Aberdeen Colts 4-2 at Glebe Park in the second round then saw off Peterhead 3-0 at home in round three. Connor Bell was the matchwinner in a 1-0 quarter-final win over Falkirk. Crusaders scored twice in the closing minutes to beat Motherwell's U20 side 3-2 in Belfast in their IRN-BRU opener then overcame Highland League Cove Rangers 3-0 at Station Park. Table-toppers in Northern Ireland, they defeated Dundee United 2-1 at Tannadice in the last eight, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Gavin Whyte.
