The Scottish cup games are always exciting. With the league it’s always the same teams and with the ridiculous SPL format we can play each team four times a season. There’s also the added predictability of the ultimate winner coming from Glasgow.
The cup is something different. Fans get the chance to explore new grounds, watch different teams and there’s that glimmer of hope that this might be our year.
The fifth round draw had such exotic possibilities as a short trip to Albion Rovers, the incredible beauty of Forfar or even an excursion to Brechin. Any of these would have made an appealing addition to any Motherwell fan’s ticket collection.
So when the fifth round draw was made and the potential opposition was either Falkirk or Kilmarnock there was a feeling of apathy. Not only are the opposition the same standard but there is just far too much familiarity. Last year’s trip to play Inverurie Loco Works may have been delayed several times but it was something exciting and new for both sets of fans.
Not only did the locals have the pleasure of such a fine club gracing their turf but the Motherwell fans got to experience a new ground and a different part of the country.
There is however the slight problem of the fourth round still to overcome. The twice-delayed trip to meet Terry Butcher’s Inverness will be a tough prospect. The delays and weather make it more difficult for the team to win. With the uncertainty, fans will become less willing to make travel arrangements for the long trip north.
Fans can make all the difference to a team on the road and traditionally the ‘Well support travels in good numbers for cup games. This erosion in fan numbers will make a difficult tie just a little bit harder.
Still, I’m sure the players will have all the incentive they need. It’s not every week they get to visit a half-empty Rugby Park.
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