Threave Rovers gear up for "biggest challenge of the season" against Cumbernauld Colts

Threave Rovers are preparing for their “biggest challenge of the season” on Saturday.

The Castle Douglas side host Cumbernauld Colts in the quarter-finals of the SFA South Region Challenge Cup.

And caretaker gaffer Paul McGinley reckons the encounter with the Lowland League title challengers will be tougher than their previous round clash, which saw them score a fantastic 2-1 win over big spending Johnstone Burgh. He said: “It’ll be our biggest challenge of the season by far, you can’t sugar coat it. They’re a step above anything we’ve played – and that includes Formartine United in the Scottish Cup and Johnstone Burgh.

“To reach this level is superb and to be playing a team that is fighting promotion to the SPFL is what you want. It’s such a boost for the club.

“We’re always confident we can cause anybody problems. We’ve enough quality within our group to hurt other teams but it’ll need complete concentration. One slip or one mistake and you’ll get punished.”

McGinley took advantage of the perfect chance to see this weekend’s opponents in action last Saturday. With Threave having a free weekend, he headed along the A75 to watch the Lanarkshire outfit beat Gretna 2008 4-1 at Raydale.

He said: “It was absolutely perfect as it let us see how they set up and operate and see their strengths and very limited weaknesses.“They were technically excellent, really well set up tactically and it’s a real challenge for us.They’re a complete outfit, I was really impressed with them and it’s going to be a great challenge for us.”

Meanwhile, veteran Threave midfielder Lewis Sloan has been forced to hang up his boots. The 36-year-old – who has also turned out for Dalbeattie Star, Annan Athletic and Stenhousemuir – suffered