Brechin City – Tuesday 6 July, 7.30pm kick off
It used to be the case that all Scottish Cup fixtures were settled by playing successive games until a winner emerged. It was not uncommon for a third game to be arranged at a neutral venue to help resolve the tie. Motherwell were last involved in such a game in 1986 when we had to travel to Tannadice to play Brechin in round 4 of the cup. We progressed to the next round with a 2-0 win.
Motherwell’s league form earned relegation in 2002/3 but we were saved because Falkirk were denied promotion as Brockville was deemed non-compliant. During the tense close season there was uncertainty due to Falkirk’s appeal and in that period the draw for the Challenge Cup was made. Team X was drawn with Brechin. Fortunately Falkirk had to make the trip to the north east, not us.
Forfar – Thursday 8 July, 7.30pm kick off
Trips to Station Park are rare but the cup tie in January 1952 was to be significant. Motherwell’s 4-2 win was the first step on the road to Hampden and we went on to win the old trophy for the first time.
Bobby Ancell was to have his first game in charge at Forfar in August 1955 and the Loons lost 6-1
We had reason to celebrate following our trip in May 1985. Promotion had already been secured but the 0-0 draw secured the First Division championship and we have been in the top flight since then.
In 2003 we were knocked out of the CIS Cup at Forfar. We scored first but trailed 3-1 in the second half. Lasley and Pearson brought us back level and we ended up in a penalty shootout. We managed only two from the spot and were deservedly dumped from the competition.
We warm up at Somerset Park in July 2003
Ayr United – Saturday 10 July, 3pm kick off
Many Motherwell fans will be familiar with Somerset Park from our many meetings at this classic Scottish football stadium.
Former manager Ian St John’s last game in charge was a 4-0 in Ayr in September 1974. He left for Portsmouth and we got Peter Marinello in return.
Our defence of the Scottish Cup in season 1991/2 started with a visit to the Honest Men. Despite Brian Martin giving us the lead the game ended 1-1 and we had to take them back to Fir Park where a 4-1 win put us in the next round.