This season every round in the William Hill Scottish Cup will have a featured match and tomorrow Montrose and University of Stirling are in action in the chosen fixture.

The Scottish Cup will be present at Links Park for fans to have their picture taken with as well as interactive fan activities and the Scottish Cup mascot Scottie Cup will also be there.

The Scottish FA are also running a free bus for University of Stirling supporters making the journey to Montrose.

The draw for the third round of the William Hill Scottish Cup will take place after the match at Links Park on Saturday at 5.45pm

Connie McLaughlin will host proceedings with Archie Knox and Derek Sim, Chairman of Links Park Community Trust. 

The full draw will be streamed live on the official Scottish Cup Facebook page.

About the clubs

Montrose

The club were founded in 1879 and joined Scottish Football in 1923, along with near-neighbours Brechin City, in the newly founded Scottish Third Division. 

Montrose have spent the vast majority of their recent history in the Third Division but at the end of the 1994–95 season, they were promoted to the Second Division after finishing as runners up to Forfar Athletic. 

However, the team's first attempt at this higher level was not successful, as they finished bottom of the table in 1995–96.

At the end of the 2014–15 season, Montrose finished bottom of League Two, but maintained their status in the SPFL after a 3–2 aggregate win in a play-off against Highland Football League champions Brora Rangers.

University of Stirling

The University of Stirling was founded in 1967. A Sports Union was established in 1969 and one of its founding members was the Association Football Club. 

The club now has six men's teams who compete in senior and amateur leagues across Scotland and in Scottish and British University competitions. 

Stirling also offers talented players the opportunity to combine their study with high performance football through a scholarship programme.

Stirling University was one of 12 clubs selected to join the Scottish Lowland Football League from its inaugural season in 2013-2014 and were previously managed by current Scotland Women’s National Team head coach Shelley Kerr.

Current Form

Montrose: The Links Park side are currently placed in third place on 14 points behind Stirling Albion lying top with 19 points. They have only lost twice this season with both results coming in quick succession in September.

University of Stirling: Last week they defeated their University of Edinburgh counterparts 1-0 and are currently positioned mid table nine points off leaders BSC Glasgow with a game in hand. 

Team news

Montrose: Martyn Fotheringham and Jamie Redman are doubts. Michael Bolochoweckyj and Danny Cavanagh are both out.

Stirling University: Left back Kevin Keane is the only Stirling player ruled out.

The manager’s thoughts

Montrose’s Stewart Petrie: “We’re under no illusions of how big this game is.

“On Thursday night I was telling the players just how important the Scottish Cup is to be involved in, especially with the draw being at Links Park.

“I’ve been buzzing all week about this game if I’m being honest. This is the best competition we play in. 

“The opportunities we have in this competition are endless and with Sean Dillon in our squad, he’s been there and done it so it’s been great to hear his insight this week, leading upto the game.”

University of Stirling’s Chris Geddes: Everyone is excited and we can’t wait for kick-off. We’ve been on a high all week with the extra exposure we’ve had. 

“Montrose will be unsure of what we’ll be about so it’s upto us to play to our best and do ourselves proud.

“The season has been going OK so far. We’ve put together a really good squad and have a decent mix of youth and experience having brought in David O’Brien who has played countless senior games as well as Kevin Walker from Berwick Rangers.

“Going into tomorrow, we’ll be relying on the experienced guys to help the younger players perform on that stage.

“It’s a baptism of fire but we need to start well.”

Match officials

Referee: Lloyd Wilson

Assistant Referees: Stuart Hodge and Jordan Paterson

Admission

Adults: £10 OAP's: £5