Kevin Rutkiewicz hopes he can add another memorable page in East Kilbride’s Scottish Cup history this season as his side prepare to host Lowland League rivals Caledonian Braves in today’s second round.
The K-Park side have faced Celtic and Inverness in recent years and pulled off some SPFL scalps during almost a decade of involvement in the competition, sending the likes of Stenhousemuir and Cowdenbeath packing.
Having knocked out Highland League Deveronvale in the first round, a familiar foe now stands between EK and round three, where sides from SPFL League One and Championship enter.
And Rutkiewicz said: “In recent history, East Kilbride have had a nice affinity with the Scottish Cup and the fans look on it really fondly.
“There is a lot of nice memories for the club and we want to continue that.
“This is an opportunity in front of our own fans to go and get a good result and look forward to being in the next round of the Scottish Cup.
“But it’s just all about Saturday and making sure we come out on the right side of it.
“For both clubs it is massive and I think the financial aspect of the Scottish Cup is crucial for teams at this stage. You know if you can navigate the next round or two, you can get to the glamour ties that bring in a bit of revenue.”
The sides met earlier this month at Alliance Park and battled out a 2-2 draw in the league and both go into the clash off the back of big wins in the South Challenge Cup last Saturday.
EK thumped Lanark United 5-1, while Braves battered Carluke Rovers 9-1 so Rutkiewicz expects goals.
He added: “There was nothing between us at Alliance Park a few weeks ago and I expect another tight game, played at a ferocious pace.
“Both teams will be better educated on each other now as well so we will need to pose new problems for them. I hope we come up with the game plan to win and the boys can execute it.
“There was four goals between us last time so I am expecting goals. Caley have banged in nine and us five at the weekend so I think there will be a fair few players feeling quite confident ahead of Saturday.
“If you offered me a 5-4 in our favour right now, we’d bite your hand off for it.”
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