The New Saints confident of cup progress
The New Saints will fancy their chances of making further progress in the IRN-BRU Scottish Cup after landing a favourable home tie with Elgin City in the third round.
After their penalty shootout victory over Livingston in the previous round, the Welsh Premier champions will again have the advantage of playing at Park Hall as they chase a quarter-final place.
They were the first to be pulled out in the draw at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow, and will face one of the lowest ranked sides remaining from the Scottish League division two.
The eight third-round ties will be played on the weekend of October 7/8, and TNS boss Scott Ruscoe will be delighted to again have home advantage which sees Elgin have to make a 880-mile round trip from the Highlands.
Ruscoe praised his players after overcoming a tough first hurdle in the shape of Livingston when winning 6-5 on penalties after the tie had finished 1-1.
"It was a tough draw to have at this stage of the competition, but we were excellent, and everyone of our players were up for the challenge," he said.
"We stuck to the game plan, defended well and looked a threat going forward. It was end to end, but the longer the game went on, you sensed it was going to penalties.
"Penalties is a lottery, but we showed a lot of character and everyone who took the penalties deserves a pat on the back."
Known as the Black & Whites, part-time Elgin City reached this stage of the competition with a 2-0 home win against League of Ireland outfit Bray Wanderers.
After the Saints' penalty shootout win against Livingston, it emerged that League of Ireland referee Robert Harvey used the wrong system.
Instead of the conventional ABAB in which teams alternate spot kicks, the official instructed teams to use the ABBA format where sides take two in a row.
The Scottish Professional Football League are seeking an explanation from the Scottish FA regarding the shoot-out.
IRN-BRU Cup, full draw:
Cove Rangers v Crusaders, Dumbarton v Stranraer, Dundee United v Linfield, Falkirk v Dunfermline Athletic, Inverness CT v Peterhead, Montrose v Queen of the South, St Mirren v Raith Rovers, The New Saints v Elgin City. Ties to be played on October 7/8.
