After what has seemed like an eternity since the Qualifying Cup victory over Rothes, the day we have all been waiting for has arrived. Ever since David Hendry stuck out a leg and poked the ball home at Mackessack Park, Lossie fans have been counting the days until they can see their team play in Scotlands premier cup competition, and only Spartans stand between Lossie and a tie against potentially SPL opposition in the Third Round. Click here for a reminder of how Lossie qualified for this years competition.

Unfortunately, Lossie do not head into this weekends tie on anything like a decent run of form. The Coasters leaked seven goals to Buckie Thistle in their previous game, with former Lossie striker Shaun Scott grabbing at least two of them. Despite retaining the ball for long spells, Lossie were comfortably dismissed by the Jags. The previous weekend saw Lossie keep it down to six against Keith at Grant Park, with Craig Morrison netting a consolation. This weekend will require a much stronger performance if the third round draw is to be troubled by the presence of Lossie.

Spartans preparation did not go according to plan last week either. This weekends opposition were sunk 3-0 by Heriot Watt University, with the students registering their second win over Spartans this season. Spartans currently lie third bottom of the East of Scotland League Premier Division, but have the luxury of six games in hand over league leaders Whitehill Welfare. Click here to find out more about Spartans.

Spartans have upset the formbook already in the Scottish Cup this season. After easing through a replay against Edinburgh City to qualify for the First Round, the City Park side dispatched the then Third Division leaders Berwick Rangers, Donal Henretty getting the vital goal.

In what promises to be an entertaining tie, Lossie will look to top scorer Craig Morrison for inspiration. Despite the teams recent problems, the summer signing from New Elgin continues to look sharp and always looks like scoring when on the ball and anywhere near goal. Over 90 minutes, Mo and his Lossie teammates can match anyone, and this tie represents a golden opportunity to progress through to the latter stages of the Scottish Cup. 

Good luck boys!

- Season 2005/06 – This is the clubs first meeting this season
- Last time out – Buckie Thistle 7 Lossie 0; Heriot Watt University 3 Spartans 0

- Lossies last five home games - LDLDL
- Lossies top scorer – Craig Morrison (10)
- Lossies biggest win this season – 2-0 v Rothes
- Lossies biggest defeat this season – 0-7 v Buckie Thistle

- Spartans last five away games – WDLWL
- Spartans top scorer – Keith McLeod (9)
- Spartans biggest win this season – 5-0 v Eyemouth United, 5-0 v Craigroyston
- Spartans biggest defeat this season – 0-3 v Heriot Watt University