By Paul Third
Published: 12/03/2010
Ellon coach Clint Parsons has challenged his players to make amends for missing out on promotion by winning the National Shield.
The National League Division 1 side will miss out on an immediate return to Premier 3 with a third-place finish the likely reward for Ellon’s efforts this season.
But with the club through to the last 16 of the cup competition, Parsons believes his squad is capable of reaching the final in April.
He said: “Winning promotion back to the Premier might be beyond us, which is disappointing as we have played well at times but we can end the season on a high by making it to Murrayfield in April for the showpiece.
“It’s been a frustrating campaign for us, but getting to the shield final would be a terrific achievement.”
Glasgow side Allan Glen’s, which leads National 3, stand between the Aberdeenshire team and a place in the quarter-finals tomorrow.
Parsons has been impressed by his opponents, who will have home advantage, and knows his players cannot underestimate the Bearyards side.
He said: “We cannot take Glen’s for granted as they are certain to be heading up to National 2 at the end of the season.
“They will see us as a chance to test themselves against opposition from a higher division and this will be their cup final.
“They have nothing to lose and we have to handle the expectation.
“We showed our quality last week to beat Linlithgow and if we play to our capabilities then we should go through, but it will be tough.”
Ellon prop Mike Cox returns for the match which will kick-off at midday to give both sets of players the opportunity to watch the six nations championship encounter between Andy Robinson’s Scotland side and England at Murrayfield.
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