Boreham Wood And Sutton Braced For A Scottish Adventure

While the newly-rolled out international competition makes its bow, there’s also something rather special happening elsewhere.

Football history takes place this weekend as two National League clubs play in Scottish football for the first time.

Sutton United and Boreham Wood accepted an invitation to be a part of the Irn-Bru Cup as the two side who finished last season in the highest places without earning promotion.

It truly is a tournament like no other as it expands year on year to give club sides a taste of football over the border.

Last season teams from Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales entered at the second round stage and were kept apart in the draw for that round only.

This weekend the English join - and two exciting fixtures kick us off.

Boreham Wood, defeated National League Promotion Finalists of course, start us off with a 1pm kick-off against Dunfermline Athletic at Meadow Park.

Luke Garrard joked: “I am delighted to be the manager who has guided this club into Europe!

“We’re really looking forward to it and we want to represent the club well and make a name for ourselves.

“It’s a great opportunity and it’s history, we’re pleased to be a part of it because it’s really unique.

“I’m going to enjoy it and seeing exactly where we are against a Scottish Championship club can only benefit us.

“There’s English pride at stake too,” he smiled. “It’s personal now! Our physio is Scottish so we’ll certainly be motivated.”

Sutton United pack their bags for Scotland on Friday night as they head up for Saturday’s match at Airdrieonians and manager Paul Doswell is thinking big.

“We see it as a great adventure,” said the Gander Green Lane boss. “Why can’t we have a really good run and put the club on the map in a cup competition again?

“We’re looking forward to seeing how we progress. It’ll be a great bonding exercise for the players and a whole new experience.”