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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Eric McGowan

Hurlford United boss Darren Henderson braced for 'massive' tie as he sets new goals for run-in

Hurlford United boss Darren Henderson says tonight's South Challenge Cup tie against Stirling Uni is 'massive' for the club.

The Ford head for Forthbank Stadium looking to claim a Lowland League scalp and a place in the fifth round of the competition.

The Ayrshire outfit will be underdogs on paper as lower league opposition.

But Henderson has hammered home the importance of a cup run after reassessing his side's goals for the season.

Speaking to Ayrshire Football News after his side drew 1-1 with Kilwinning Rangers in a West of Scotland League Premier Division clash on Saturday, he said: "We take the point and we move on. We've got a massive game next against Stirling University.

"It's a cup that we want to stay in. It's a big competition.

"I think the top three in the league are going to fight things out so we need to keep playing.

"Of course, until it's mathematically impossible, you try to win the league.

"I'd be crazy to sit here and say we're playing for fourth place but you've got three quality sides in Darvel, Pollok and Auchinleck and, being sensible, that's probably where the league will go.

"If we can finish as close to those three it's a bonus."

Henderson insists he's been delighted with his players' efforts as he targets one final big push.

He added: "At the beginning of the season we had a squad of 14 and loads of young boys. I lost quite a lot of players last year.

"The aim was to stay in the league with seven going down so there was a lot of pressure.

"We've got 45 points now. I'm sure, touch wood, that will be enough. Until we are mathematically secure then that's what our aim is. After that we start looking at the teams in front of us.

"So far it's been decent. I can't complain. They've given me everything."

Tonight's match has a 7.45pm kick-off and will go to extra time and penalties if required.

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