Jim McInally has made no secret of his feelings about the revamped IRN-BRU Cup but the Peterhead manager was pleased to land what he called a “proper” cup tie in yesterday’s second-round draw.
The Blue Toon manager believes the inclusion of 12 colts teams has demeaned the competition and is also unconvinced of the merits of allowing teams from Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to participate.
McInally’s side defeated East Fife 2-0 on Tuesday to set up a second-round tie at Balmoor against Annan Athletic, who beat Celtic Colts 3-1.
The Peterhead manager said: “It will be really difficult as they were the better side when we met in League 2 recently and won 2-1.
“I didn’t want a colts team or to be travelling abroad, so I’m delighted we are at home and have a proper cup tie as opposed to one that demeans the competition.
“I do not think the colts teams should be in it and the use of two overage players that was brought in this season was to make their progression easier.
“Next season that number could be increased as colts teams are being included for other purposes. It is all about getting them into the senior leagues.
“Having one of those teams doing well or winning it would get that accepted easier.”
Elgin City will host League of Ireland side Bray Wanderers in the second round.
The Borough Briggs men earned their place in the draw thanks to a 2-1 victory against Hibernian Colts on Tuesday and manager Jim Weir is relishing the chance to take on a team sitting fifth in its division.
Weir said: “It will bring a freshness, facing a side that’s not in our division. I’m looking forward to it when the time comes.
“I’m sure they will be a really strong side. It will be a decent game for us and hopefully we can do ourselves justice and find a bit of form before then.”
Aberdeen colts will take on Caley Thistle at home, and Inverness manager John Robertson is taking seriously his team’s chances of competing for the trophy.
Robertson said: “Aberdeen won the under-20s league a couple of seasons ago and Paul Sheerin is a handy coach.
“It’s a trophy we are in and we’ve said all along we want to try to win every competition we’re involved in and we will be selecting our strongest team for this match.”
Highland League champions Buckie Thistle, who defeated Championship club Brechin City 2-1 in the first round, take on second-tier opposition again, with Dunfermline Athletic making the trip north to Victoria Park.
Buckie Thistle manager Graeme Stewart is looking forward to lining up against Allan Johnston’s team next month.
Stewart said: “That is a good draw for us.
“We had a good game against them in the Scottish Cup last year so we know what to expect.
“We were very unlucky not to draw with them. We missed a great chance near the end and they went up the park and scored.
“There was very little between the teams.
“They have made a good start to the season, so we know it will be a difficult game but one we are really looking forward to.”
