Burgh set for Alba Cup showdown

LOCHMABEN boss Nathan Doyle says his side will hold nothing back in tonight’s Alba Cup final clash against Lochar Thistle.

Doyle, currently in his second season in charge of the Burgh, knows his side head into the Raydale Park contest as underdogs against their league rivals.

Thistle won the competition last year and are looking to make it a hat-trick of Alba Cup victories. The Dumfries side, led by Ritchie Maxwell, also go into the game as South League leaders.

However, with a full squad to choose from, and nothing to lose, Doyle hopes when the final whistle sounds the trophy will be on its way back to Whitehills Park.

The Burgh manager said: “The club has a lot of volunteers that contribute numerous hours each week to make sure the club functions on a day to day basis.

“Winning something like the Alba Cup would be a great way for us, as coaches and players, to repay the effort and time put in by all of them.”

Doyle added: “We understand the situation and won’t kid ourselves that Lochar will be favourites on the night, and rightly so, they are top of our league and aiming to complete the Alba Cup hat-trick.

“Ritchie has the team really well organised, and that’s reflected by recent form.

“However, we go into the final with nothing to lose, and I think that’s a dangerous scenario for any team to come up against a side with no fear.

“We have a full squad available to choose from. We have been taking each game as it comes, with one eye closely on December 5.

“I can’t compliment the players and coaches enough on their effort and commitment – not just to the lead up to the final but for the whole season.

“It has been fantastic, it’s unfortunate the hard work has not been reflected with results. However, the group is hoping to change that this Friday night.”

South finals always attract an impressive crowd. And Doyle hopes a good number of spectators will make the trip to Gretna to cheer on the lads in blue.

He said: “We usually get get a good turnout at home games. The people who come down to support during their spare time don’t understand the effect they have.

“We appreciate every single one of them and we hope to see them all on Friday night.

“Even if you’re a football fan with nothing to do, come down to Raydale Park at 8 pm to watch a final between two sides from the South of Scotland League battle it out.

“We are going to give it everything we’ve got and make sure we leave nothing out there.”

• LOCHMABEN take on Lochar in the Alba Cup final at Raydale Park, Gretna, tonight. Kick off is at 8 pm. Adult tickets are priced at £5, concessions are £3 and U16s go free