Match Preview : Kilmarnock Colts v Berwick Rangers – IRN-BRU Cup
John Coughlin takes Berwick Rangers on a lengthy midweek trip to face Kilmarnock under 20’s on Tuesday night, with kick off at Rugby Park at 7.45pm in the first round of the IRN-BRU cup.
The ‘Gers, who themselves have had a very youthful look this season, will be looking for more experience at a Scottish Premiership ground, having narrowly lost at Motherwell earlier this season in the Betfred Cup.
Andy Millen’s under 20 side will be looking to improve on the showing from last season when the Ayrshire club exited at the first round after a heavy 5-2 defeat to Queens Park. One team will definitely be progressing further than 2016/17 as Berwick also left the competition at the same stage with a 0-3 home defeat to Spartans.
Dundee United are the holders after defeating St Mirren 2-1 in the final in March.
Berwick Rangers Team News:
Kevin McKinlay is available for selection for the first time this season.
Coughlin will be forced to shuffle his pack from the defeat at Stirling Albion on Saturday. Kevin Waugh, Callum Donaldson and Andrew Irving will all be missing as they play for the respective Colt teams of their parent clubs (Hibernian and Hearts).
Elsewhere, experienced defender Pat Scullion will remain sidelined through injury, though it is hoped that Pat will be back from the game against Annan on 19th August.
In more positive news, influential midfielder Steven Thomson should be fit and is in the squad whilst Kevin McKinlay is available for the first time this season, which provides the squad with more nous.
Kilmarnock Team News:
First team boss Lee McCulloch will be using the game to run the rule over some of the club younger players as the first team have started the SPL season with two consecutive home defeats. They will be hoping to avoid a third here.
For any fans wanting to make a day of it, the home side will also be holding an open first team training session on the day from 10.00am-12.00pm at Rugby Park, prior to the schools returning for term.
Match Admission:
Adult tickets will cost £10 with concessions £5. This is a cash at turnstiles game.
Match Officials:
The match will be officiated by Duncan Williams with assistant referees being Daniel McFarlane and Chris Rae.
We wish all our supporters making the journey a safe trip and hope that it is an entertaining game.
Please note that should Berwick be successful on the night then the second round draw will be made at the Falkirk Wheel at 1pm on Thursday 17th August and streamed live on the SPFL Facebook page.
Enjoy the game.
