THE Old Firm and the rest of Scotland's big guns don't feature until the fourth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup – but the third-round draw has thrown up some interesting ties.
As a fan of junior football I'll be keeping a close eye on Irvine Meadow at home to First Division Livingston.
In my opinion the juniors will give most Second and Third Division clubs a game but shouldn't be beating sides such as Livi.
However, Meadow gave Hibs a decent game at Easter Road a couple of years ago so won't be overawed.
Their Ayrshire rivals Auchinleck Talbot will be eyeing a money-spinner after being handed a tie at home to Vale of Leithen.
Talbot are 2-7 with William Hill to win at the first attempt and should do so.
The third junior side, Bo'ness, face Second Division leaders Cowdenbeath at home. This should be a cracker but I'd just favour the senior side.
Spartans have pulled a cracker at home to Partick Thistle but face an SFA hearing after fielding an ineligible player in the second-round win over Culter. The North Junior champs will replace Spartans if they are thrown out.
Tournament sponsors William Hill have priced up a host of specials. Here are some of them:
Non-league/junior sides in fourth round: Four or More 11-10, three or less 4-6.
All three junior sides in fourth round: 16-1.
Old Firm v The Rest: Old Firm winner 1-2, anyone else 6-4, non-SPL winner 10-1, non-SPL side in final 9-2, Old Firm to meet in final 7-2.
Non-league side in fifth round 5-1, non-league side to beat an SPL side 33-1.
Which Non League Side will progress Furthest? Auchinleck Talbot 7-4, Inverurie Loco 6-1, Bo'ness, Clach, Spartans 8-1, Buckie 10-1, Irvine Meadow 12-1, Deveronvale, Keith, Vale of Leithen 14-1, Fraserburgh 16-1 Gala Fairydean 25-1.
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