Jeanfield Swifts hoping bumper crowd can back them in big cup clash with Darvel

It promises to be an exciting afternoon at the Riverside and Jeanfield manager Ross Gunnion is hoping for a big crowd.

The Perth side welcome West of Scotland League high-flyers Darvel for Challenge Cup fifth round action on Saturday.

Both teams carry an attacking threat and, with goals expected, fans should certainly get their money’s worth.

Considering St Johnstone are without a fixture, Gunnion would love to see a few more down to support his players.

Swifts head into the game on the back of a confidence-boosting win against Lowland League Civil Service Strollers.

“The players have been buoyed from last Saturday’s win and will be looking to take that momentum and cause an upset,” Gunnion explained to the Perthshire Advertiser.

“We’re all hoping for a good support in what promises to be an entertaining game.”

Darvel hit the headlines earlier this season after advancing to the fourth round of the Scottish Cup before their special adventure ended against Arbroath.

Earlier in the competition they had defeated Brechin City and Stranraer.

Darvel sit sixth in the West of Scotland League’s Premier Division but have a number of games to catch up on and are expected to be challenging for honours.

Gunnion was not downplaying the size of the task that faces his team and realises it will need to be a top home performance if further progress is going to be possible.

“Darvel are an excellent side who have had a lot of investment on and off the field over the past couple of years,” he said.

“I’ve watched from afar as they’ve built an enviable squad and the results they are producing reflect the quality they have. Their Scottish Cup run is a prime example of the type of side we’ll face and one well-versed in winning cup ties.

“Moreove