Banknock AFC head into Saturday’s Cinema Cup tie as clear underdogs against one of Scottish amateur football’s most established names in FC Pather.

But there’s no negativity in their camp. Instead, there’s a measured confidence and a focus on effort, organisation and enjoying the occasion. Ryan Fox shared his thoughts ahead of the 10am kick-off at Queenzieburn.

🎙️ Matchday Quickfire — Cinema Cup

Ryan Fox

Banknock AFC

On the message in the squad ahead of the tie:

The boys need to actually enjoy the occasion more than anything. We know about Pather and the reputation they hold — it’ll be a step above what many of us have faced before — but we need to go out and give it our all.

On handling the occasion:

The boys won’t have an issue with it. We’re a good group, we’ve done everything right to make it to this point, and we deserve to play teams like Pather.

On what needs to be right early on:

We can’t concede an early goal. We need to stay tight and compact, and take our chance when it comes — because it will.

On cup motivation versus league football:

Especially in the latter stages of the competition, yes. For our first season as a club we wouldn’t expect to get this far, but for some reason our cup form and league form feel like two different teams. So I’d say we’re more motivated for cup ties.

On what a “job done” performance looks like:

Every man coming off the pitch knowing they’ve truly given 100%. There are a lot of things you can’t control in 90 minutes — pitches, referees, things like that — but effort is the one thing you can control. That’s what we’re hoping for.

There’s respect for the challenge ahead, but no fear. Banknock know the level they’re facing — and they’re embracing it.

For a club in its first season, this is the type of tie you measure yourself against. Underdogs on paper, positive in mindset. The rest will be decided over 90 minutes.