First Division Rivals Meet In The Cup

11 January 2011 06:18
There will be a degree of familiarity tonight when the Bairns host Partick Thistle Falkirk take on Partick Thistle without Tam McManus in tonight's the Scottish Cup Fourth Round tie. Striker McManus has been out for four months with a knee problem as Falkirk look to end their First Division rivals' interest in the cup. The only change to the Falkirk squad since their last outing on 2 January against Stirling Albion is the absence of on-loan defender Jason Marr, who returned to parent club Celtic before joining Ross County. Manager Stephen Pressley is looking for his men to rise to the occasion. He said: "This is a really big game or us and one where it would be great to win it for the club and the fans. Thistle will look to make things difficult but if we play football like we can we will win through.'' Partick are without on-loan Conrad Balatoni as the Hearts defender has a hamstring problem while reserve goalkeeper Ryan Scully is also out with a thumb injury. Striker Martin Grehan is available after missing out against Raith Rovers through injury in Thistle's last game on Boxing Day. Jags assistant Ian Maxwell said: "Both teams will believe that they can win and manager Ian McCall and I have told the players that they will have to want to win the game more than Falkirk do as there is so little between the sides.'' Editor Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba net)Admin Team (admin@scottishfitba net)This is Scottish-Fitba Net

Source: FOOTYMAD