It has been some time since Motherwell have taken part in this stage of the competition. Adventures in Europe have given us other interests in recent seasons. However, both players and the manager have already expressed the view that the timing of this game, so soon after the loss to Rangers, is ideal.
Clyde have made an impressive start to their season. After a loss to Berwick in a penalty shootout in the Challenge Cup they have been unbeaten. Two wins and a draw in the league place them second in Division Three. In the last round of the League Cup they knocked out Brechin from Division Two. Jim Duffy may have a team of youngsters but they will feel that they can make a game of it.
Their players are in the main an unknown quantity but the records show that striker Stephen McDonald has already found the net three times. One who knows Motherwell well is Mark Archdeacon. He left us in 2010 and made one first team appearance in claret and amber when Jim Gannon fielded him against Llanelli.
Stuart McCall knows that if we play anywhere near our natural level that the game should be a formality. The key will be to ensure that our players are not lulled by the low key atmosphere into delivering a low level performance. Clyde have an average home gate of around 700 and it would be a surprise if the three stands hold more than two thousand on Wednesday. Over 10,000 attended Fir Park on Saturday. The prices at the gate will be £12 and £5 for concessions.
The game should give the manager a chance to give some of our youngsters a run in a competitive game but first he needs to make sure the game is safe. In an ideal world we’ll score a barrow load of goals by half time and Higdon will have a hat trick. You never know – it might happen. 5-0 to the Mighty ‘Well.
Remember the last cup tie at Broadwood?