Broxburn Athletic boss Chris Townsley has urged folk to get down to Albyn Park on Saturday because he believes it could be a Scottish Cup cracker.
Townsley, now in his third season as boss, is under no illusions as to how tough the task will be at the weekend but he’s urged the players to grasp the ‘massive opportunity’ a run in the country’s top cup competition can provide to the Brox and the local community.
He said: “It’s been a good number of years since a West Lothian derby in this competition so it adds a bit of intrigue.
“Blackburn is a team we’ve had some decent battles with over recent seasons so it’s going to be a good game for anyone who comes to watch it.
“It’s one I’m sure plenty of neutrals will be looking at as an exciting tie but I hope our supporters are vocal and there’s plenty there on the day because it can really make a difference.
“We’ve seen in the past just how the local community buys into the Scottish Cup with this club. It’s a massive opportunity. It’s a big game for the club and a big game for the community.
“There’s so many benefits to a good Scottish Cup run and everyone is aware of that but we have to earn it and perform on the day and hopefully we can do that.”
He added: “Everything goes out the window with cup games. I spoke to their management team after the league game a couple of weeks ago and I don’t think either side really were at it that day.
“The cup will hopefully bring out the best in both teams which would make it a cracking game.
“It’s always a really tough, close game against Blackburn and we’re not expecting anything different this time either. They proved how good a team they are with that brilliant run at the end of last season.”
It’s a much-changed Brox side to last season which has brought about some inconsistency as the squad looks to gel but the boss believes that could be turning as they gear up for United’s visit to Albyn Park.
He said: “A bedding in period is to be expected but we played really well on Saturday so hopefully that’s a sign of things to come and we can take that into this weekend.”
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