Waugh wants winning ways to continue in Challenge Cup quarters

Posted on Friday, March 31st, 2023

The Spartans and Stirling University lock horns for the second time in as many weeks when they meet once again at Ainslie Park in the Quarter Final of the South Challenge Cup.

With one victory apiece in the Lowland League fixtures, Saturday’s search for silverware sees two of the title chasing teams meet in the competition played for by the 68 East of Scotland member clubs outwith the SPFL.

After a comprehensive victory over Gretna last Sunday, the midweek cup tie against Dundonald Bluebell was postponed which offered an opportunity for some of the squad to stay ‘leg fresh’ and injury free but does push back a game in an already tight April calender.

Vice-Captain Kevin Waugh missed out the 4-0 midweek victory a fortnight ago although was back in the heart of the defence against Gretna.

With the lengthy League season entering its final stages, Waugh couldn’t have been more unequivocal in his response, when he laughed off any suggestions that Saturday’s cup tie may be seen by some onlookers as a ‘free shot’ in context of the wider squad goals for the season. 

“Ha! Nah, absolutely not.  The Gaffer wouldn’t expect to hear us saying anything was a free shot, that’s not why we are here.  There’s possibly a fraction of a degree of less pressure on the game cause obviously the league is the priority – and we’ve not deviated away from that aim at all this season.

“However, there’s no two ways about it, we want to win this cup.  This cup has a lot of history about it so obviously we’re keen to win it. To even suggest otherwise is nonsense.”

The side go into the game on the back of twenty match unbeaten run in competitive matches.  A stat that had eluded Waugh who was keen to ensure that he played his part in ensuring it continues come the final whistle on Saturday.

“I actually didn’t realise it was as many as that if I’m honest.  We’re in brilliant form at the minute and I think that’s the thing about this game as well that we want to win it to keep that momentum going and further extend that run.

“Sometimes when its momentum you can just run off that, even if you aren’t always playing well, because you know you can win games and you are also very good at not losing them in equal measure.

“We just want to win every game against each team we come up against.  Even in the recent match against Stoneyburn, there were a lot of changes in the team but the mentality was the exact same.”

After last time out, Waugh remained mindful that the Students will return to Ainslie Park looking to make amends at the first time of asking.

“I imagine they will.  Perhaps 4-0 flattered us maybe a little bit however we started the game like a house on fire, scoring those two early goals which settled us.  I always feel that we are good front runners in a game and we can hit on the counter attack too. We’ll always get chances and we’ve got legs going forward.

“But if I know Chris Geddes like I do, he’ll be telling his players that this is a chance that they thought they wouldn’t get as they usually only get to play teams twice a year in the league.  He’ll be glad I’m sure that the cup draw has offered him an opportunity to play us again with the squad he’d got before it potentially changes next year.”

Closer to home, Waugh reflects on the fixture as another chance for those involved to continue to put themselves in the shop front for selection in what will be a bumper month of fixtures.

“We’ve got a bigger squad this year due to the number of games we’re playing.  It’s a squad full of top quality so everyone involved is out to ensure they are at the forefront of the Gaffer’s thoughts when he’s making his selections for the remaining big games ahead. 

“We have been relatively consistent with our team selection in the league over the last few months but whenever anyone’s been called upon to come in and do a job they’ve been brilliant and that’s why we are in the position we are in and still fighting on three fronts.”

Saturday’s fixture kicks-off at 3pm.  Match Programme will be available priced £2 (we’ll also have last week’s too!) and the Café/Bar will be open too.