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Value bets in the Scottish Cup

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Berwick Rangers stalwart - the Border Reiver - looks for the big prices in the Cup this weekend...

Last week's international break couldn't have come at a better time for Berwick. Our last game ended in defeat to Peterhead. After the previous week's good 1-1 draw with Ayr United, everyone was expecting the upturn in form to continue but, after taking an early lead through Scott Gemmill, we reverted back to type and conceded 2 goals to eventually lose 2-1.

Our squad has been stretched to the limit just lately but the signs are that we should be down to just 3 long term injuries for Saturday's cup tie at Dumbarton. The Scottish Cup is a welcome distraction from our, so far, unsuccessful league campaign. Never an easy place to go, we should be able to beat managerless Dumbarton. Don't get me wrong, it won't be easy but we should be able to beat a team from the lower division. The new manager should be getting to grips with the players and I know that the fitness levels have improved dramatically. The importance of this fixture in terms of finances, should not be overlooked. A place in the next round with a chance of playing a ''big'' team can boost the clubs income by as much as £100,000. A weeks pay for 1 player in the Premiership in England, 4 seasons wages for 22 players in the Scottish Second.

Stranraer v Stirling Albion.

Bottom of the First, Stirling travel to Stairs Park looking to kick start their season. Yet to win away from Forthbank in the league, they may struggle on what should be a very, very heavy pitch. The weather is a great leveller and after this week's precipitation there will be upsets in the cup. Stranraer's only home defeat so far was by league top dogs, East Fife. They have only conceded 6 goals at home and should prove very difficult to beat. I shall be laying Stirling Albion around [1.95].

Livingston v Alloa.

On paper this looks a home banker but having seen Alloa this season I'm expecting them to give a good performance and I'm having a small interest at around [4.7]. Livi are having a mixed season and are under severe financial pressure. They are very inconsistent and after their last 4-0 home defeat to Partick they could be vulnerable to the 2nd division side. Alloa have impressed me so far this season. I was fully expecting them to be in a relegation battle but they are very well organised, especially away from home, and they really do play as a team. They look reasonable value on saturday.

Peterhead v Queen of the South.

I know the QoS fans are not looking forward to this tie, and it's not just because it's a 6.30 am start either. They are having a very indifferent season and the manager's position is definitely on the line. How can a team concede a first minute goal to the runaway league leaders and manage to win 2-1 then take a 3 minute lead against Morton and eventually lose 3-1. They haven't kept a clean sheet for 8 games. Having seen Peterhead play two weeks ago I know what they're capable of and their front-line of Bavidge and Kozminski combines goals and pace, a potent mix at any level. I shall be backing Peterhead around [2.8].

This weeks bets are: lay Stirling Albion around [1.95], back Alloa around [4.7] and back Peterhead around [2.8].

Good Luck,
Border Reiver.