Elgin City’s Scottish Cup preparations hit the skids when manager Gavin Price and members of his squad had to spend the night in their cars this week on the way back from training.
But Price is hopeful the League 2 outfit can still cause an upset against Hibs this weekend to stay on the road to Hampden.
The Black and Whites train once a week in Aviemore and after putting their finishing touches to their plans for Easter Road were caught in travel chaos on Wednesday night.
Price and the club’s Glasgow-based players had set off south when they became stranded on the A9, which had been closed because of a crash.
When the road was eventually reopened, Price reached home at 5.30am yesterday and the others finally arrived in Glasgow an hour later.
It was hardly an ideal way to warm-up for the massive task that awaits them in the capital tomorrow, but Price – who knocked Hibs out of the cup as a player with Stirling Albion after a replay in 1999 – is remaining upbeat ahead of the tie.
He said: “I’m not too bad, I live in Aberfeldy, but the Glasgow ones didn’t get home until half past six in the morning.
“It’s already a long way for the Glasgow boys to come, it’s a big commitment from them, so it wasn’t ideal.
“The artificial pitch we train on was snowed up when we were there as well, but we managed to do something.
“It wasn’t the perfect preparation. There’s plenty of time for everyone to recover before Saturday, but it wasn’t the best.
“But we’re looking forward to it. It’s a good day for the club at Easter Road. The financial side of it is important for the club but it’s also a good day out for the players and the supporters.
“Hopefully we can go and enjoy the occasion, but at the same time be mindful that it’s a game of football and the aim is still to try to stay in the competition.
“Recent results in the league haven’t been the best but it’s a chance to regroup a wee bit and refocus and get a bit of form and confidence back. Hopefully it’s a positive distraction.”
