Cup win gives us the edge

Published 9 Jun 2010 13:00 0 Comments

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BUDGIE McGhie believes Clydebank's Central League Cup win last week gives his side the advantage going into tonight's pivotal play-off first-leg clash with Lanark United.

While the games have been coming thick and fast for the Holm Park side, with McGhie's men having to play a gruelling 16 games in five weeks, Lanark have had a relaxed schedule and have only played once in three weeks.

Despite the hectic end-of-season fixture list, McGhie believes it can work in his side's advantage against the Moor Park men.

The Bankies secured a 2-0 victory against Ashfield in the Central League Cup final at Newlandsfield last week.

And McGhie also reckons the cup win has given the whole club a massive boost for tonight's clash with Tam MacDonald's United side.

He said: "The cup win means we have something to show from this season.

"It is our first knock-out trophy win and it's the third final the club have been to and hopefully it is the first of many pieces of silverware the club get.

"But there is no doubt that the priority was promotion this season.

"I know some people will say Lanark are a bit fresher because they haven't been playing as many games.

"But we have a bit of momentum because we have been playing.

"I think the League Cup win was important.

"People wouldn't have viewed it as important but winning is a good habit to get into.

"And it has given the whole club - including the staff and fans - a huge lift.

"If we hadn't won on Tuesday, we wouldn't have that so it was important.

"But I think it will come down to who performs over the two legs."

While McGhie is confident his players can make one last push for promotion, he insisted Lanark will prove to be difficult opposition in the play-offs.

He said: "Lanark are nobodies' mugs.

"The have produced some great performances over the season.

"Tam MacDonald manages them now and he has a lot of experience.

"And I have no doubt that they will be two tough games for us.

"I'm not sure if they are the biggest games ever for the club.

"If you gauge the media coverage of the Junior Cup final, there is a lot more interest in that competition than the play-offs.

"But the play-offs are two massive games for us and the Super Premier League is where we want to be."

This article appeared in Clydebank Post 09 Jun 10

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