Mark Walker’s Scottish Cup Tips: Bookies Have Too Much Hope in The Hearts

Mark Walker takes a look some tasty Scottish Cup ties and proposes some big priced opportunites.

Kelty Hearts v Stranraer

STRANRAER appear to have been written off for their Scottish Cup tie at Kelty Hearts, but too much faith may have been placed on Barry Ferguson's side.

The big-spending Fife side are crammed full of ex-SPFL players and are top of the Lowland League this season.

They've been backed for the New Central Park encounter, but punters could be underestimating Stranraer, who are on a fine run of form in League Two.

The Stair Park side are unbeaten in ten and have beaten the likes of Edinburgh City, drawn with Ayr United and thumped midtable Lowland League side Spartans in the last round. They've won three in a row without conceding.

Kelty haven't played since Boxing Day and only edged out Perth juniors Jeanfield Swifts 2-1 in the last round at home.

Stranraer have plenty of firepower of their own and veteran striker journeyman Darryl Duffy is always a threat. They look overpriced to beat a team who have been hyped up.

Queen's Park v Queen of the South

QUEEN'S PARK look to have a good chance of beating Queen of the South at Hampden tonight.

The former amateurs' spending power has been well documented and they are five points clear at the top of League Two and are unbeaten.

But they've done that without ever quite hitting the top gear they should be striving for. They have been particularly waseful in front of goal as was illustrated in their extra time win over Dundonald Bluebell in the last round when they should have been out of sight.

The Dumfries side have turned their season around somewhat with two wins on the trot, but they are still far from convincing defensively.

Queen's Park will be desperate to prove they can mix it with the big boys and should be gunning for the scapl of the Championships side.

With a team crammed full of players who have played at the Doonhamers' level or above, they are worth a punt.

East Fife v Tranent Juniors

Finally, for a Scottish Cup shock, take a chance on TRANENT getting a replay at least from their trip to East Fife.

The East of Scotland Premier Division leaders are clearly no mugs, as they proved in the last round when they thumped Lowland League high-fliers East Stirling 4-1 at home.

They average three goals a game and have been boosted this week by signing up most of their squad on new contracts.

Winning in Methil against an East Fife side who defeated Falkirk last week is a big ask obviously, but they look worth a go at 19/4 on the double chance market.

Recommended Bets

• Stranraer  9/5 (McBookie)
• Queen's Park 11/5 (McBookie)
• Tranent Juniors – Double Chance 19/4 (McBookie)

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