BOTH Gala Fairydean Rovers and Selkirk have been handed home ties in the first round of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

Steven Noble’s team will entertain Highland League side Keith at Netherdale on Saturday, September 23.

Ewan Robb’s team finished 10th in last season’s league and will arrive in the Borders as slight underdogs.

On the same day Selkirk will host Gretna at Yarrow Park.

The recent appointment of Davie Irons, who guided Gretna to the Premier League a decade ago, has seen a return to form for the Raydale club.

Selkirk manager Ian Fergus said: “Gretna are vastly improved since Davie Irons went in as manager and we will be in for a very difficult game.

“The main thing for me is having home advantage and I do believe we have the players capable of getting a result against anyone in our league.

“The Scottish Cup is a great opportunity for a club like Selkirk to have a little run and generate a lot of income and excitement.”

Vale of Leithen manager Chris Anderson will return to his former stomping ground of Ainslie Park to face Spartans.

And Hawick Royal Albert travel to the Highlands for a clash with Deveronvale.

New manager Craig Tully played much of his football with clubs in the north, including Peterhead and Ross County.

Albert secretary Dougie Purves said: “Having to travel is not ideal but Craig believes it is a winnable tie.”

*Selkirk Under 20s progressed to the second round of the Scottish Youth Cup with a 1-0 win over Bonnyton Thistle in Kilmarnock.

Ross King was the scorer for the Souters.

Selkirk will now travel to face Stranraer in the second round.