PREVIEW: Cup Rewards for Clyde
The Bully Wee will make the short journey north to Fife tomorrow night, for a Co-operative Insurance Cup Second Round tie against Dunfermline Athletic.
The fixture is reward for a terrific 2-1 win over Cowdenbeath in the First Round last month. Marc McCusker scored a fantastic double in that match and he is pictured here collecting the Young Player of the Round trophy for his performance.
It’s winner takes all on the night once more tomorrow, with extra-time and penalties being played if required.
Definitely not taking part for Clyde are Neil McGowan and Haydn Cochrane, with injuries ruling the pair out. However, Stuart Mills returns to the squad and he, along with Iain Gray, is likely to feature against the First Division outfit.
Stuart Millar spoke to www.clydefc.co.uk this evening to give his thoughts ahead of the match:-
“It’s good to have a chance to put the Berwick match behind us so quickly, albeit it’s against quality opposition. Dunfermline have the infrastructure of an SPL club and a squad full of quality players.
“I saw them eight or nine times last season so I have a good idea what to expect and there’s no doubt how difficult the game will be.
“We’ve earned the right to play a match at a great stadium though, so we shouldn’t apologise about it and enjoy the challenge. Hopefully there will be a good crowd and some more fantastic backing from our fans.”
Clyde’s head coach was speaking as he prepared for an unexpected training session:-
“Usually we wouldn’t have our Monday night session when we have a game on the Tuesday, but I felt that it wasn’t right to go straight into another match after Saturday’s result. It will be an important session for us and there are things we need to work at before we go to East End Park. The players are terrific at training though, so it will also be good for raising spirits.
“I think everyone could see how much the squad cares when Ross (McMillan) and Kevin (Finlayson) had words after the fourth goal. They are both passionate players and winners and I don’t mind seeing that, as long as it doesn’t go too far. To be fair, I think it’s just as well for Kevin that he backed off! Joking aside, there are no problems there.
“There were obviously things that went wrong in the match, especially in the last half an hour, but it’s our first defeat in four and I was pleased with parts of the performance. We’re only three games into the league season but expectation levels have been raised. I understand that, as the club is desperate for success.
“When I was a player – about a million years ago – the first thing I wanted to do after a bad result was to get back out onto the pitch so this cup game is coming at a good time. We’re down to 17 players and a very young squad but it’s up to us to find a system that suits what we have available.”
Stuart concluded by reassuring supporters that every effort was being made to strengthen the squad:-
“We’re looking down every avenue to bring players to the club but it’s hard under the circumstances.
“We know exactly what we need and Neil Watt is talking to players at the moment, some of whom have already taken part in training and impressed us. Finances are a big factor as always but we’re hopeful of having some news soon.”
Kick-off at East End Park is 7.45pm. Admission is £12 for adults and £6 for concessions.