Craigroyston boss wants the scalp of old club Whitehill

GEORGE BOWMAKER, who took over the managerial reins at Craigroyston in October but whose progress has been thwarted by the weather, cannot wait for tomorrow's King Cup first-round tie against Whitehill Welfare.

The fixture has been switched to St Mark's Park because Ferguson Park is still covered with snow and Bowmaker, a former Whitehill Welfare legend, said: "I love playing against Whitehill Welfare. I had a lot of success there and they are one of the big names in East of Scotland League football.

"They are currently challenging for the Premier Division title while Craigroyston are in mid-table in the First Division. We are playing Whitehill with nothing to lose because we are not expected to win. Hopefully we can do ourselves proud and put on a brave face."

Bowmaker was a goal-scoring hero with tomorrow's opponents for several seasons in the late 1970s and early 1980s and since then has managed a few clubs including Dalkeith Thistle, Preston Athletic, Lothian Thistle and Haddington. The straight-talking boss does not suffer fools gladly and a large part of his undoubted managerial abilities is discipline among his players.

Bowmaker admitted: "Since I took on this job it has been an education process for many of the young lads at the club. They had just stepped up from under-21 level with little or no experience playing at semi-professional level.

"I have had to ensure that their attitudes are correct both on and off the park with simple things like making sure that they turn up for training on time.

"Some of the players are appreciating what I am saying to them and are giving themselves a bit of a shake, especially as I have been introducing new players into the squad.

"I am trying hard to eradicate bad discipline."

Bowmaker has already signed Sean Fallon from Leith Athletic, a wide midfield player who he describes as "a true professional and a breath of fresh air." Kieran Dodd, who has been out of the game for two years with an injury although still aged only 21, has also joined along with former Granton Vale goalkeeper, Stuart Anderson.

Another major addition is former Leith Athletic and Vale of Leithen captain Michael Stewart who will play at the heart of the defence.

"Michael is the type of player who will help bring other players into line," stressed Bowmaker. Also in his squad are goalscorer Ubong Umotong, playmaker Kyle Hay and attack-minded player Dean Jones.

"I have a squad of 23 which I will whittle down to around 18 or 19," added Bowmaker.

Turning his immediate attention to tomorrow and the opposition, Bowmaker said: "I have not been able to watch Whitehill this season although going from their results they are having a good season.

"With neither side having played for such a long time both will be rusty and there will be mistakes made. It then depends on who capitalises on these mistakes.

"We will play the ball on the deck, push as many men forward as possible and really get at their back four. I love these games against top teams like Whitehill, Spartans and Edinburgh City – that's what it's all about.

"Hopefully my players will get a lift tomorrow and want to play against these teams every week."

Meanwhile, Whitehill manager Paul Cavanagh has had the benefit of watching his side play a friendly two weeks ago on the all-weather surface at the Spartans Community Football Academy.

"Considering we had not played previously since mid-November I was pleased with our performance in a 5-1 win against Edinburgh United, particularly in the first half," said Cavanagh.

"It was really a matter of getting playing minutes under our belts and dusting off the cobwebs. Other than that we have managed to train indoors but we are no different from any other teams.

"Last season we were caught up in a backlog of fixtures whereas this season we are not isolated because every club is in the same situation.

"I have not seen Craigroyston this season and although I would assume that Whitehill are the favourites it really depends on whoever turns up on the day and applies themselves correctly. If we play as I know we can then we definitely have a chance.

"However, to beat Craigroyston I need everybody to play, not just individuals, and Craigroyston will see us as an opportunity of taking a scalp. I will have only one word to say to my players in the dressing room before kick-off – Ormiston. They beat us 4-1 in the South Challenge Cup earlier in the season in what was a dark day for everyone connected with Whitehill Welfare."

Cavanagh has no major injury concerns which means his strike force of Daryl Devlin, Scott Gormley and Ross Allum are all available for what promises to be a pulsating cup tie.

The action kicks off at 1.30 pm. Adults 3 and concessions 1. Extra time and penalties, if necessary, will decide the game.