Ferguslie without five regulars for cup clash

Jun 30 2012 by Andy Newport, Paisley Daily Express

FERGUSLIE cricket convenor David Sturgeon admits top-flight Stirling are favourites to win their Scottish Cup tussle.

’Lie travel up the M80 this afternoon to face County on their New Williamfield patch looking to keep their noses in front of today’s Group B rivals.

The Cricket Scotland League Western First Division leaders – who have won all five of their CSL fixtures to date – boast a two-point advantage over Stirling and a win would put them on the verge of a quarter-final berth.

But Sturgeon, above right, has no doubts who the bookies will favour ahead of the clash.

Stirling are third bottom of the Western Premier Division after three games but have taken the scalp of leaders West of Scotland already this term.

Sturgeon said: “We can be very pleased with our season so far and with our position in the league, but we must keep looking ahead to our next match as we return to action in the Scottish Cup this weekend.

“We will be the underdogs as we play a top Premier Division team in Stirling County on their own ground.

“However, a win for us and the two points would keep us well placed for a top-two finish in the group and a place in the quarter-finals.”

But if Ferguslie are to spring a surprise, they will have to do it without a host of regulars.

Sturgeon added: “Gregor Preston-Jones and Jamey Carruthers are the latest players to be added to those unavailable, so our team is now without five regular 1st XI players.

“But, hopefully, those playing will produce a performance to cause an upset – it will be difficult, but we are certainly capable of it.”