Gretna set sights on Challenge Cup

GRETNA FC 2008 are preparing for cup final action this weekend. They face Newton Stewart in the Southern Counties FA Challenge Cup Final, sponsored by Utility Hut, at Dalbeattie Star’s Islecroft ground. The match kicks off at 2 pm on Sunday, April 26. Last weekend the team, featuring a number of U20s players, lost 3-0 to Gala Fairydean Rovers in the final Lowland League game of the season. A number of first team players were rested ahead of Monday’s scheduled SCFA Challenge Cup semi final clash against Creetown. The Ferrytoun ended up withdrawing from the competition, allowing Gretna a run through to the final. Assistant boss Kevin Somerville offered his thoughts on the Gala match and cup clash. He said: “(The Gala game) was good to get an opportunity to get a look at four or five boys from the 20s. It was a really good experience for them, and I think they stood up well to the task. “I think if you were to ask most people connected with the club, they would probably be disappointed with the amount of points we’ve got and where we’ve finished. “But, I think, if you strip it back. The five seasons before Vinnie and I were here – I think the average point total was something like 14. “In the last two seasons the average point total is just over 30, so we’re still making progress.” Somerville added: “We’re desperate to defend the trophy. The lift it gave everybody last year, to get the men’s team winning something again, was really important. “We know what it’s like against the South of Scotland team. Whoever you play they will be competitive, they’ve got good footballers and it will be a tough day. Hopefully we can get over the line and it will be two trophies in two years.” The club’s U20s, meanwhile, have been drawn at home in the quarter-final of the WOSFDL playoffs with a home game vs Kilsyth Athletic, date TBC. And Gretna FC 2008 Ladies Team are also in action on Sunday when they take on Ardrossan Winton Rovers Ladies at Raydale at 4 pm.