Graeme Stewart, manager of Highland League champions Buckie Thistle, was a happy man after drawing a home first-round tie against Championship club Brechin City in the IRN-BRU Cup yesterday.
The last time the teams met, in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup on February 5, 2011, City won 2-0.
Stewart said: “We are delighted with a home draw and we think we have a chance against virtually any team at Victoria Park, even a Championship club like Brechin.”
Formartine United were also handed a home draw, against Hearts under-20s.
United midfielder Stuart Anderson said: “We played Aberdeen colts in the competition last year and I expect it will be another stiff test against full-time young professional footballers, but it should be a good game for the supporters to come and watch.”
Cove Rangers assistant-manager Graeme Mathieson said of his team’s trip to Stenhousemuir: “It will give us a chance to play on a quality artificial pitch before we get one of our own.
“You want to face Scottish League opposition but the only downside is the midweek trip to Larbert.”
Brora Rangers manager Ross Tokely was philoso-phical about a midweek trip to Raith Rovers, saying: “I have a lot of good memories going to Stark’s Park with Caley Thistle as the playing surface will be in great condition.
“It’s not ideal being during the week but it will be good test for the boys after a good pre-season build-up.”