Michael Kennedy is hoping that the Scottish Cup can get the country talking about the West of Scotland League.
The Darvel boss reckons that many people outside of the set-up fail to give the league the credit that it deserves.
A total of 14 WoSFL teams will compete in the prestigious competition’s preliminary round this weekend – and Kennedy would love for as many as possible to battle into the first round ahead of his side’s trip to Haddington Athletic.
He said: “There’s something romantic about playing in the Scottish Cup.
“It was great for us last year, it galvanised the club and the town, it was great.
“It’s good for the fans to have a wonderful away day like this, it’s great for all the teams in our league.
“At our level, a lot of hard work has happened to get clubs licensed, clubs have done great to get that infrastructure in place to get into this competition.
“Hopefully all of the clubs in our league progress, it gives the league a wee bit more credibility because I don’t think this league gets the respect it deserves for the quality that’s in it.”
‘Vale head to East Lothian on Saturday and Kennedy is expecting a difficult clash against Haddington.
He joked: “It would be good to get a home game, we seem to be away every time!
“But seriously, it’ll be a hard game. They won the league last year to get into the Premier Division.
“They’ve had a mixed start but we certainly won’t be underestimating the challenge that lies in front of us.
“We know a fair but about them, I’ve had them watched, they’re a typical East of Scotland side who try and get the ball down and play.
“We will go through there full of confidence and aim to get through.”
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