Cowdenbeath manager Mixu Paatelainen knows what it is like to be on the receiving end of a cup shock. And as he considered a Scottish Cup campaign for the first time as a boss he looked back yesterday and said; "I well remember that when I was at Hibs it was Stirling Albion who created a real surprise when they knocked us out of the League Cup. And at Aberdeen we had a scare in a Scottish cup tie when we were held to a goalless draw by a team from a lower division in the first game although we got through comfortably in the replay."
Third division Cowden will go in against second division promotion chasers Morton without defender Ian Mauchlen. Morton will be without tall central defender Stewart Greacen who has been suffering from mumps.
Partick Thistle received a mixture of good and bad news about their on-loan players ahead of their tie against Albion Rovers, which should go ahead thanks to the undersoil heating.
Livingston have refused permission for Graeme Dorrans to play but Rangers have given the go-ahead for Jukka Santala to be included. Meanwhile Albion Rovers have George Wallace, Lee Sichi and Lee Wilson struggling And it will be Welsh referee Lee Evans who will be in the middle as part of the exchange scheme involving the SFA, Irish FA, Republic of Ireland, and Welsh F.A.
High flying Gretna are aiming for a cup run to add to their outstanding league form. And as he considered the visit to Preston Athletic manager Rowan Alexander said; Whether it is the league or the cup we simply want to keep winning. We want that winning mentality." Cetnral defender Derek Townsley has been getting treatment for a hamstring injury this week but hopes to be fit. Preston manager Steve Myatt commented; "This is a fantastic tie for us and a great chance for our lads to test themselves against full timers."
Dumbarton have John Dillon, Robert Walker and Mark Dempsie doubtful and the Sons add Paul Young, Andy Love and Kevin McCann from the youth side. Forres boss Paterson promised changes after last week and added; "We will be going there with a positive attitude. Teams I have had in the past who have pulled off shock results have always been positive. We will not be going to sit in in the hope of forcing a replay."
Stirling Albion will be without both John Fraser and Robert Dunn, who had a scan on his knee yesterday, against Elgin City who have Jamie McKenzie back in the squad after suspension.
Berwick manager John Coughlin has ordered his side to get back to their winning ways against Spartans. Said Coughlin; "Defeat last week was a warning but we have had a great run and it is up to us to get that winning habit back." Spartans midfielder Mark Burns pointed out; "We had a great cup run two years ago when we beat Alloa and Arbroath and went out to Livingston. We all enjoyed that experience and it meant that expectations increased at this club."
Alloa are without Fraser Forrest while Selkirk manager Fraser Lothian, who has almost a full squad to pick from, promised; "We are going to have a go at them. We will not be sitting back. The pressure is on them with their recent results but we are still the underdogs."
East Stirling manager Dennis Newall who takes his side to Stenhousemuir, said; "It is 21 years since Shire got through the first round so that makes it a massive game for us. A local derby adds to it." But Shire are without Jamie Mackay and Steve Blair while Stenny have Greg Denholm and Colin Cramb struggling, Frankie Carroll out, but John McKeown comes back after suspension.
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