Yoker Athletic manager Gordon Robertson has urged his players not to get caught up in the occasion as they prepare for the Scottish Junior Cup Final this weekend.

The Whe Ho travel to Rugby Park on Saturday to take on 13-time winners Auchinleck Talbot to round off the Scottish football season in what is the club’s first appearance in the final since 1936.

The Holm Park side has put the miles in getting to the final, with wins over sides from Aberdeen to Ayrshire, before a memorable victory over Conference A champions Petershill in the semi-final back in April.

Robertson knows his troops will be up against it on the day, but after their last four heroics, he says they will be going in with no fear.

Speaking to the Post, he said: “It’s starting to become a reality now that the game is coming up. Seven weeks ago, after we played Petershill, it seemed such a distant prospect.

“We knew we were in the final and that was all good, but now with the ticket information being released, and the new strip for the final coming in, and fans starting to buy scarves and things, it all starts to become pretty real.

“We’re not deluding ourselves that it’s going to be easy, but when the Yoker team takes to the field at Rugby Park, we’ll be going there to win it and not just be part of an occasion.

“There is going to be a lot of media attention this week, which is new territory for a lot of the guys, and I want them to enjoy it.

“Then, on the day of the game, we’ve got to get down to the serious business of trying to win a match. I want them to be serious and professional about what they are doing, and enjoy it the right way.

“Everything is about preparing to win a football match. That’s the way we approached the semi-final, and I don’t think many folk thought we would beat Petershill, apart from the guys in our dressing room.

“I know we’ve got the quality, and who knows what can happen on the day and what goes for you and against you. We’re up against a smashing team, so we’ll have to be at our best, but when we are, we can compete with anyone.

“Getting to the final isn’t good enough. There’s no point in being in a final and not doing everything you can to win it. You get one hit at it, and it has to be decided on the day.

“What I can assure fans is that we aren’t going to be happy to be there. We’re going there to do all we can to win.

Tickets must be purchased prior to attending Saturday’s game. They can be bought at kilmarnockfc.ticketco.events, with prices £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.

Kick-off on Saturday is at 4.10pm. Seats are available on coaches departing from Holm Park at 1pm and 2pm. Contact Allan Milmine on 07719 703826 or info@yokerathletic.com for more details.
The game is also being broadcast live on BBC Alba.