Golspie Sutherland are not sure if they will enter Scottish Cup this season
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GOLSPIE Sutherland say they remain undecided on whether they will take part in this season’s Scottish Cup due to coronavirus restrictions.
The North Caledonian Football Association club are eligible to take part in the competition due to being a full member of the Scottish Football Association.
This season’s tournament has been reduced with teams being given the option of not taking part due to the restrictions in place as a result of coronavirus.
Golspie Sutherland have been invited to enter the tournament at the first preliminary round scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 28.
But they will not be penalised if they choose not to take part in this season’s tournament as a result of the coronavirus restrictions.
Clubs who decide not to take part in the Scottish Cup will still receive prize money from the round they were entered in to start the competition.
The date of the draw has not been confirmed, but Golspie Sutherland manager Andrew Banks says the club are still discussing whether to take part in the competition or withdraw this season.
“The club has spoken about it and any decision will come down to whether it is feasible or not due to the coronavirus restrictions,” he said.
“If we end up getting an away trip to the Borders, I’m not sure it will be feasible for us. So I am happy to go along with any decision that is made by the club.
“I would be happy for us to play in the competition, but if we don’t I can certainly understand why.”
Golspie are due to start in the first preliminary round along with 30 clubs from the East of Scotland League, South of Scotland League, junior and amateur clubs.
The winners will progress to the second preliminary round when 15 Highland League teams will enter the competition which takes place on Saturday, December 12.
Highland League champions Brora Rangers and last season’s runners-up Fraserburgh, along with all League Two clubs, will enter the competition in the first round on Boxing Day.
Brora Rangers chairman William Powrie says the Cattachs will definitely be entering this season’s competition.
He says it is a tournament which the club has reaped them financial rewards in recent years due to their progression and hopes for another successful campaign this season.
“Without a doubt we will be taking part in this season’s competition unless there are circumstances outwith our control,” he said.
“It has been a lucrative competition for us in terms of raising our profile as a club.
“We are looking forward to taking part in the Scottish Cup again.”
