#GCFAAlive

What made your team enter the Scottish Anatuer Cup this season?

Everyone at Red Star loves the Scottish Cup. The chance to test yourself against teams that you don’t usually play against and the chance of a big away day is what we love about the competition.

Even at this early stage, was the experience of playing in the competition worthwhile for your players and coaches?

Absolutely. Our form has dipped the last few weeks in terms of results, so the opportunity to park league duty for a week and focus on the cup was good for us.

Given the league levels, Westerlands were seen as favourites — how do you think your side compared?

I don’t think we looked out of place at all and 2nd half we were comfortably the better side. I always tell the boys to fear no one, at the end of the day it’s just another 11 men on the pitch. Myself and my coaches went to watch Westerlands a few weeks ago and were able to identify areas where we thought we could take advantage. They play in a good set-up but in cup football it’s all about who turns up on the day.

Was there a point in the game when you felt the tie could swing your way or away from you?

I felt we started the 2nd half really well and we said at half-time the next goal would be crucial and depended on timing. When we scored with just over 20 minutes to go, I felt we could at least get a replay out of the tie.

How did that last minute winning goal feel?

Incredible. There are few better feelings, if any, in football than a last minute winner. I was absolutely delighted for goalscorer Scott Holms as well, who’s had a tough time with injuries over the last year.

Who has your Man Of The Match ?

Andrew Mulrine. We brought him in from Drumchapel Amateurs over the summer and he’s been brilliant since coming in. A solid performance on Saturday too.

What do you hope your team takes from this competition into the rest of the league season?

Confidence.

Based on your experience so far, do you see the club entering again next season?

100%. Until the players decide they don’t want to, we will always enter the Scottish.

Are you hoping for a a big away day or a home tie in the next round of the competition?

A big away day would be excellent, it’s what the cup is all about. However, a winnable tie either home or away will do the job.