Gers vs Vers (Wee version)

[Albino Rover]

Nothing like a Scottish Cup tie in England, is there? This fixture means that once again there will be a place in the last 16 for at least one L2 side, but with the league competition as tight as it currently is, how much would that achievement mean?

There are plenty of Cup heroes at Cliftonhill right now- our management duo are both former Scottish Cup finalists, but Darren and Sandy's successes aside we have a group of players who loved the big games in this competition last season, and made club history with their over-achievement. Of course, as a player Colin Cameron has done better than any of our lot- he won the Scottish Cup, and scored in the final, 17 seasons ago.

But in any case I'm not sure our teams' past experiences will count for very much at this stage. Both teams know each other well and the competition will probably be as stiff as in our other 4 meetings this season.

Berwick have had no problems scoring but have conceded almost as many- their defence could be described as "Gemmell-friendly". In all competitions, Rovers have conceded the joint-second fewest goals of all the SPFL teams. However, our defence is statistically "Berwick-friendly"- the last time they failed to score against us was in 2008!

I've already expressed my relative disinterest in the outcome of this - whatever happens the league is still the more important competition - but even if they go no further in the Cup, a win in this game coupled with a play-off finish would make it a season to remember for either set of fans. Having said that, as a Rovers fan I'm being tempted into setting my heart on something more memorable than a PO spot, and if I could bargain with the footballing Gods I'd settle for a defeat in the last 32 in recompense.

[Redcar]

Both sides had good wins at the weekend and there's not a lot between them really.

I've dropped several banana skins near John Gemmell's house, hoping for a sprained ankle.

Berwick keep threatening to stuff someone other than Shire, and maybe one day we will.

[Razor Bill]

After a couple of weeks of wet weather, both teams will need to invest in flippers. Don't think the pitch (facing 3rd home game in consecutive weeks, and Dev Squad match there tonight relocated away from home) will be at it's pristine best, so a silky,free-flowing contest is unlikely.

Still, recent form of 3 wins in last 4 bodes well, and Rovers have'nt looked much better than us in the two previous meetings so far this season. If we can reign in Gemmell, I fancy our chances. Balance of the team looked good v Annan, with Drummond and Willis both making an impact. Tighter than an oligarch's tax adviser, I'll go for 1-0 to the Gers.