CROSSGATES PRIMROSE manager Alan Campbell has urged his players to try and "finish the season on a high" as they target a cup semi-final this weekend.
The Humbug Park outfit, who saw their five-year stay in the East of Scotland League, Premier Division come to an end after being relegated, travel to Haddington Athletic in the League Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.
Crossgates, winners of the Alex Jack Cup in 2022, will play either Whitburn or Preston Athletic, of the First Division, in the last four if they were to progress.
A home defeat to Haddington last midweek by a 4-1 scoreline condemned Campbell's side to the drop, but he said: "The scoreline wasn't reflective of the game - they scored two goals in stoppage time.
"It was a tight game, could've went either way. I would imagine they'll start as favourites. They've had a top half finish, a good side, established team, quite a big, physical side.
"It's a cup tie and it's a chance for us to get to a semi-final. I think, with the season we've had, it would be ironic if we went and done that!
"We've had a great run in this cup. I think we've won three games away from home (against Burntisland Shipyard, Tynecastle and Newtongrange Star), so we've done it the hard way.
"We'll be getting into the them this week and saying there's a wee chance there, so let's try and finish the season on a high.
"I think whoever wins will be playing a team from the league below in the semi-final because the other quarter-final, that's been drawn already, is Whitburn against Preston.
"It's a good opportunity, so we'll go down there and try and give it a go. The good thing is that the guys will be going down there with no pressure. They're not scrambling about playing for points and fighting for their lives.
"They're going down there playing with a bit of freedom, and I think that's what we've done in the cup. There's been no pressure and we've seen the better side of us."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here