HIGHLAND League ace Danny Macdonald is a vital member of the RAF
Strike Force, but the 23-year-old from Inverness will not be seen behind
the controls of a fighter jet. Danny plays up front for the RAF's
national team and in midfield for Scottish Cup rabbits Caledonian.
However, he had a dilemma last weekend after his team had drawn 2-2
with first-division Airdrie in the third round of the Scottish Cup at
Broomfield.
The replay was scheduled for tonight, the same evening as he was due
to play in a warm-up match for an inter-forces tournament in March. But
the RAF came to Caley's rescue when they gave the youngster permission
to play in the cup-tie and Danny is both relieved and delighted.
He said yesterday: ''I am glad I didn't have to make the decision. I
love my football and don't want to let anyone down. But the RAF realised
how important it was to me and to Caley to have me available for the
replay, and my commanding officer has been invited to be Caley's special
guest at the match.''
The Highland League side came within seconds of causing a major upset
at Broomfield when only a late, late strike by Alan Lawrence saved
Airdrie blushes and gave them a second chance. But the men from
Inverness are quietly confident they can go one better at their own
Telford Street Park. Their sights are set on emulating northern rivals
Elgin City, who reached the quarter-finals some years ago.
The winners of tonight's tie will visit either East Stirlingshire or
Stirling Albion -- they also meet tonight, their tie having been
postponed last Saturday -- and the Caley thinking is that if they can
beat Airdrie, then the fourth round should hold no fears for them.
Caley, however, may have lost their chance, for the first-division
side, who have high hopes also of promotion, are still smarting from the
verbal blast they received from manager Jimmy Bone at the weekend. He is
almost certain to make changes tonight -- Evan Balfour definitely will
return -- and this time he is determined there will be no complacency.
Premier-division Dunfermline, having struggled to a no-scoring draw
last Saturday, face the dangerous trip to Hamilton for their replay, but
manager Jim Leishman promises an entirely different affair tonight.
''My players were very disappointed by their display in the first
match,'' he said. ''There was something missing -- even the atmosphere
was wrong, but I'm confident they will give the fans a real cup-tie this
time.'' Leishman makes only one addition to his squad by including
defender Graeme Robertson.
Ayr United could spring a surprise against St Mirren at Love Street,
for standing by is 38-year-old former Scotland goalkeeper Alan Rough. He
is ready to play if injured David Purdie has not recovered in time.
Saints again will be without suspended Brian Martin and joining him on
the sidelines will be David Winnie, who was sent off in the first match.
Teenager Kevin McGowne will be included in St Mirren's 13.
Raith Rovers and Morton will battle it out at Stark's Park for the
reward of a trip to Aberdeen. Morton, hit by injury and suspensions,
include two 17-year-olds, Barry Strain and Gerry Kelly, in their squad.
In tonight's other replay first-division Alloa are hosts to
second-division Queen of the South.
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