Tough ties for Airdrie and Rovers in Challenge Cup

Aug 6 2008 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

ALBION ROVERS will have to beware the curse of the former player in the second round of the Challenge Cup.

For the Coatbridge outfit have been handed a trip to take on Third Division rivals Cowdenbeath next week.

The Fifers signed transfer-listed Cliftonhill striker John Gemmell last month for a nominal fee – and he will be keen to send his old club tumbling out of the competition.

Monklands neighbours Airdrie United have also been handed a journey to the east coast and will face big-spending East Fife.

The Methil men are favourites to follow their championship success last season by storming to the Second Division title.

Boss Dave Baikie hasn’t rested on his laurels and brought in a number of top players including former Scotland international Stevie Crawford and ex-St Johnstone full-back Goran Stanic.

Full draw: Alloa Athletic v Clyde, Cowdenbeath v Albion Rovers, Dunfermline Athletic v Queen of the South, East Fife v Airdrie United, East Stirling v Morton, Livingston v Forfar Athletic, Partick Thistle v Peterhead, Raith Rovers v Ross County.

Ties to be played on Tuesday, August 12 or Wednesday, August 13.