BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
Linlithgow Rose’s marathon march to the fifth round of the Scottish Cup will see them clock up more than 2000 MILES in this season’s competition.
The Rosey Posey became the first Junior side to ever reach the last-16 by defeating League One outfit Forfar Athletic 1-0 thanks to a memorable Kevin Kelbie strike.
And Rose have certainly earned their progress the hard way during a remarkable campaign.
They defeated Gala Fairydean before a lengthy trip north to see off Clachnaccuddin 3-1 in Inverness.
The next round saw Rose make the 516-mile round-trip to Wick on TWO occasions – when the initial tie was called-off due to a waterlogged pitch mere 40 minutes before kick off – before progressing after a replay.
After a 3-3 draw at Prestonfield, their replay against Forfar was abandoned due to floodlight failure on a night marred by Rose supporters lighting flares and smoke bombs.
However, their return to Angus on Tuesday night was altogether more pleasing for David McGlynn’s men as they made history.
And by the time they return from their fairytale clash with Premiership opponents Ross County, their mileage will read an astonishing 2111.
Linlithgow Rose’s [Long] Road to Hampden:
Gala Fairydean: 105 miles
Clachnaccudin: 318 miles
Wick Academy x2: 1032 miles
Forfar x2: 316 miles
Ross County: 340 miles
Total: 2111 miles
