Ally Dawson was appointed as Stranraer's assistant-manger prior to last weeks match and is expected to work the same magic for the cup match as he did against Brechin last week.

Stranraer have a full team to pick from for the cup match, with the exception of Stephen Marshall who picked up a shoulder injury in training.

City boss Dick Campbell © SNS

Brechin City were promoted as Third Division champions last season in a league they dominated. Many pundits predicted they would slide straight back down there this season, but Dick Campbell has shown that his team are no pushovers in the Second Division - or in the Challenge Cup!

Campbell has led his unfancied side to the final of the Challenge Cup over Elgin City, St. Johnstone, Falkirk and Queen's Park. The reward for their hard work will be a final against Queen of the South at Broadwood Stadium on October 20th.

Last Saturday Brechin looked a bit slow on the ball, probably due to their cup run, and were punished by Ian Harty (twice) and Michael Moore, with a consolation goal being scored by Kevin Fotheringham from the penalty spot. The visitors will surely be keen to avenge the defeat, so Stranraer should be prepared for a tough match.

Who should Stranraer keep and eye on? Read on and find out.

Chris Templeman - 22 year old forward who has scored 19 goals for Brechin since joining them from Stirling Albion at the start of last season. He has formed a natural strike partnership with Roddy Grant, so the Blues defense better be on form. His previous clubs were Dunfermline, Dumbarton and Stirling Albion.

Chris Jackson - This 28 year old midfielder has brought a vast wealth of knowledge to Brechin after playing eight season at Easter Road for Hibernian.. Although not a goal scorer he is a solid midfielder and Dick Campbell was lucky to sign him from Stenhousemuir in May.

Kevin Fotheringham - was signed from Angus rivals Arbroath last February for an undisclosed five figure sum. Fozzy as he is known to the City faithfully is happy to play either as a centre-half or in the midfield. His previous clubs have included Glasgow Rangers, Raith Rovers and Dunfermline Athletic. The last goal he scored for Brechin was from the penalty spot last week against the Blues.

Injury Worries: Chris Templeman is doubtful with a thigh strain, while Greg McCulloch, Derek Clark and Gregor McKechnie are all still sidelined.

Current form: L L W W L

The only current link between the two sides is defender Jamie Smith. Smith made 37 league appearances for the Blues from April 1999 to May 2000, and scoered six goals in the process. Former St. Mirren winger Danny Rose played for City in 1984 after playing half a season for Stranraer. [information submitted by Stephen Mitchell]

If you know of any other connections, please feel free to e-mail me (sandy@stranraerfc.net) with any submissions.