Threave Rovers boss Vinnie Parker believes Nithsdale Wanderers are well on their way to losing their reputation for physicality.
The Sanquhar side have had a poor disciplinary record in recent years after a string of red cards.
But Parker, whose side won 8-0 in the SFA South Region Challenge Cup on Saturday, believes that’s no longer the case.
He said: “They had that reputation over the past couple of years with their discipline, but it has been a long time since I’d been up there and I’d forgotten what a good club they are.
“There’s good people involved and they’ve started from scratch with their team – they’ve got Billy Gracie in and some young boys. Even when they were six or seven down they kept trying to play, which is really brave.
“When you spoke to the committee, they knew the reputation they had couldn’t go on. They didn’t down tools, it wasn’t the poor disciplined side we’ve seen in recent years.”
Liam Park gave Threave an early lead with Connor Potts heading in the second before the break.
The goals really started to flow in the second half, Scott Milligan getting the third before subs Tam Coles and Declan Rogerson combined for the latter to make it four.
Alex Henderson got the fifth before Coles got on the scoresheet himself.
Further goals from Henderson and Tommy Smith rounded off a comfortable afternoon. Parker said: “We scored eight really good goals and hit the bar and the post.
“In the end there was a gulf in class with the boys we could take off the bench and go and seal the game.
“They’ve tightened the pitch since last time, which is why I started boys like Scott Milligan and Connor Potts who have good first touches.
“When you have the chance to bring guys like Tam Coles on it really helps when the gaps open up.”
Threave are currently playing in the fourth division of the West of Scotland League.
And on Saturday they’ll have a chance to test themselves when first division Thorniewood United visit Meadow Park in the League Cup.
Parker said: “They’re playing three levels above us so I’m expecting a decent footballing team and them to be decent physically.
“We played Maybole, who are in the same league as them, pre-season and gave a good account of ourselves.
“We’ll do our homework, be prepared and try to be at our best.
“We’re at home and it’s always massive getting teams like this down to Meadow Park.”
