WELL, QUEEN'S PARK PLAYED IN THE 1872 ENGLISH FA CUP!

I wonder if the committee at Sutton United and Boreham Wood were prepared for the invitation to take part in this season's IRN-BRU Scottish Professional Football League Challenge Cup.  This is the first time that teams from the National League (Fifth Tier) have been invited.

The tournament, aimed at clubs under the Scottish Premier, was founded in 1990 and so far, Falkirk have won the title most times (4) and the present holders are Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who beat Dumbarton 1-0, in last season's final. The invites stretches into the Scottish Highland and Lowland Leagues.

So Sutton and Boreham Wood from the English National League? Sutton have to travel 800+ miles in a round trip to meet League One, Airdrieonians from North Lanarkshire, once known as Airdrie United.

whilst Boreham Wood are hosting Dunfermline Athletic (420 miles away) from the Scottish Championship. (nice badge)


What about being drawn against the Bohemians, Limerick, Crusaders, Coleraine, Sligo Rovers, The New Saints and Connah's Quay Nomads? yes Irish and Welsh League clubs are also included in this multi-nation cup.

Colts' teams from some of the higher tier Scottish League clubs and U20s from the Premier League lot have been invited to join in the competition, as 58 teams of various "ranks" hope to make progress towards the final on March 24th 2019.

Wonderful named clubs such as BSC Glasgow (Broomhill Sports Club) met East Stirlingshire and lost 0-1, whilst Fraserburgh drew 2-2 with Inverurie Loco Works, losing on Penalties (5-4) played in the Preliminary Round with the potential reward, a fixture against Rangers and Celtic U21s.
Well actually they won't because Rangers' youngsters lost to Falkirk 1-2 in the First Round in August (Falkirk will host Connah's Quay next). Celtic lost to Annan Athletic 4-0! So they will soldier on to play at Arbroath.