Irvine Meadow celebrated making history in the Scottish Cup and then said: “Bring on the Old Firm”. The Ayrshire side became the first Junior outfit to defeat league opposition in the tournament’s history and join the SPL sides in Monday’s draw for the fourth round.
Richie Barr was the man who scored the only goal of the game in Irvine’s 1-0 win over Arbroath and said he want one of the Glasgow giants in the next round. Barr admitted his side had next to no chance of progressing in the cup competition so he wanted a tie against one of the biggest sides in the country.
“We want one of the Old Firm,” he said.
“You dream of playing against them. It’s a case of crossing our fingers.
“We want to enjoy it whoever we get and we won’t be expected to win. If we play a better side than Arbroath they should beat us. Hopefully we’ll get a good team and an away game.”
SFA chief executive Gordon Smith and president George Peat were among the 1,000 strong crowd at Meadow Park to see the Junior side make history on a day where the cup delivered more than it’s share of thrills.
Inverurie Loco Works will take their place in the draw after a 2-0 win over Threave Rovers while Edinburgh City progressed with a 3-0 win over Keith. Highland League side Wick Academy were just 15 minutes from knocking out Second Division side Brechin but two late goals saw the match finish 4-4 to set up a replay next weekend.
The weather claimed two games as fog led to the abandonment of Clyde’ match against Livingston and Cove Rangers match against Stenhousemuir.
The draw for the fourth round of the competition will be held on Monday at Hampden Park. Recently retired Celtic defender John Kennedy and ex-Rangers captain Richard Gough will be responsible for the draw, which will see the 12 SPL clubs and remaining four First Division clubs enter the running.
