Vale of Leven boss challenges side to make history against Auchinleck Talbot

Vale of Leven boss Brian Brown has challenged his young side to follow in the footsteps of icons by defeating Ayrshire giants Auchinleck Talbot this weekend.

The Vale face the 14 time Scottish Junior Cup winners at Millburn this weekend, in the first meeting of the sides since 1968.

That day the Vale triumphed 3-1 in the opening round of the West of Scotland Cup, with 20-year-old striker Drew Busby - who would go on to become a Hearts icon - netting a brace.

Speaking after watching his side move up to third in West of Scotland Third Division with a 3-2 victory against Finnart, Brian said: “My brother’s father-in-law, Alan Craig, actually scored one of the goals for the Vale the last time the teams met. So it’s an opportunity for these guys to make a bit of history of their own.

“Saturday is a free hit. Not a lot of people will expect too much from us, apart from ourselves and the squad of players we have.

“We’ll be looking for a really good performance and hopefully we can give them a test.

“I don’t go into any game thinking that we’re going to get beaten so we’ll go full steam ahead to create an upset.

“Hopefully we’ll get a big crowd at the Millburn. A lot of folk will be interested and hopefully we get a good turnout of Vale supporters, but I’m sure Talbot will bring a big crowd of their own.

“Teams don’t find Millburn the easiest place to come to and get a win. I wouldn’t think that they are looking forward to it as much as we are. They’ve got everything to lose. We have everything to gain.”

Kick off at Millburn this weekend is 1.30pm.