ALBA Challenge Cup Second Round

Far away from the dizzy heights of European football, there’s a few other teams hoping to progress in their Cup runs this season.

The Second Round of the ALBA Challenge Cup takes place this evening across Scotland. With defending champions Airdrie knocked out in the previous round, the surviving First Division sides remaining in the competition face some stern challenges.

There’s two all First Division fixtures: Queen of the South, winners in 2003 take on Dunfermline. Pars manager Jim McIntyre has no injury worries ahead of tonights game, although Willie Gibson is out through suspension.

Ross County, currently second in the First Division after two games take on bottom side Morton up in Dingwall, while Partick Thistle and Dundee take on Second and Third Division opposition in the shape of Cowdenbeath (promoted to the Second following the relegation of Livingston) and Forfar Athletic.

Annan Athletic take on fellow Third Division side East Stirlingshire for the second time this season: the Dumfries side lost 1-0 to the Shire last weekend (despite East Stirlingshire being down to 10-men), Steven McGuire getting the only goal of the game.

Last year’s bottom club Elgin City are at home to Third Division league leaders Albion Rovers, and Stirling take on Stenhousemuir in the only all Second Division fixture.

Lastly, two sides who suffered relegation last season meet up. Inverness Caley, relegated from the SPL welcome Stranraer, who where relegated from the Second Division in May.

Full Fixture list (and our predictions)

Annan Athletic v East Stirling   (0-1)
Cowdenbeath    v Dundee          (0-2)
Dunfermline    v Queen of South  (2-1)
Elgin City     v Albion Rovers   (0-2)
Forfar         v Partick Thistle (1-3)
Inverness CT   v Stranraer       (2-0)
Ross County    v Morton          (1-0)
Stirling       v Stenhousemuir   (2-1)

Tags: ALBA Challenge Cup, Albion, Annan Athletic, Cowdenbeath, Dundee, Dunfermline, East Stirling, Elgin, Forfar, Inverness CT, Morton, Partick Thistle, Queen of South, Ross County, Scottish First Division, Scottish Second Division, Scottish Third Division, SFL, Stenhousemuir, Stirling, Stranraer

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