Irn Bru Cup, Round 3. Highland League Turriff United face the biggest match in their history as they host Hibernian at The Haughs this afternoon.
Proper cup tie, this. Hibernian’s squad of experienced campaigners and internationals face the unenviable trip up to Aberdeenshire to face a Turriff United side who won their last tie in front of only 180 people. United, from the small Aberdeenshire town of Turriff, only joined the Highland league seven years ago but finished fourth last season to qualify for this competition. And they have made the most of their experience, defeating the St Johnstone youngsters 2-1 at McDiarmid Park before beating League Two Montrose at The Haughs.
It is not a trip north that Neil Lennon will not be looking forward to, with nothing to gain and everything to lose. He will likely make changes from the Hibernian team that defeated Morton 4-0 at Easter Road at the weekend, but this is a competition that Hibs are favourites for and want to win. Regardless of the prestige of the Irn Bru Cup, it remains a trophy to win and a potential cup final day out for the fans.
While Lennon will be without John McGinn and Jason Cummings, who are on duty with the Scotland senior and under 21s sides respectively, he will still be able to call on experienced new signings Grant Holt and Andrew Shinnie. Holt was scoring for Norwich at Anfield only a few seasons ago, but whether he can perform on this Scottish version of ‘A Cold Tuesday Night in Stoke’ is another question.
Regardless of how many stars Lennon takes, this will be a massive day in Turriff United’s history. The club have enlisted the help of local volunteers to help them organise such a big occasion, and if you are in the North East it is certainly an occasion not to be missed!
Match preview by back4: “Scottish football’s newest website and podcast, dedicated to covering all four tiers – not just two teams.”
Kick off is at 3pm.
Tickets in advance for home fans are available via Maddi’s Turriff in the High Street, Connor at Morrison Motors Turriff and Russell at Turriff Printing Services. Advance tickets for away fans can be purchased from Hibernian eticketing via the ‘Get Tickets’ link.
Tickets on the day are available at the gate priced: Adult £12/Concessions £6. Early arrival at the ground is recommended.