Alloa Athletic hero Davie Beaton speaks exclusively to the Advertiser on his recollections of the club’s memorable Challenge Cup victory over high-flying Inverness Caley Thistle.

Beaton was a key part of the cup winning side of 1999 who saw off the Highlanders via a dramatic penalty shootout after a 4-4 draw in regulation time. Now the present day heroes will look to emulate their predecessors as they take on Glasgow Rangers in the Petrofac Cup semi final and the 47-year-old, who is currently the assistant manager at Sauchie Juniors, sees a lot of similiarities between the tight-knit dressing room of his day and the current crop of stars to don the famous Black and Gold.

That is a trait Beaton sees as a key factor if they are to topple Ally McCoist’s men at the Indodrill Stadium tonight (Wednesday).

The triumph in the Challenge Cup of 1999 was a special moment for the club. You must have fond memories of the game?

“The thing I remember about the game is that I had a holocaust. I gave away a penalty, I got booked and I missed a penalty in the shootout. We actually played really well despite this as a team who were a league above us. The manager was key for us because he was quite shrewd in the way he set us up to play and even our set pieces were very particular and something we worked on in the build up to the game and bore fruit for us. It was a great game not only to play in, but also for the fans to watch. It was quite an open game and we played some nice stuff. Obviously, it is enjoyable when you win - it always is - but it made it all the better that it was against a side from the league above us. It was a hard fought, physical with a fast and furious pace to it so very much typical of Scottish football and cup ties in this country.” There must have been some wild celebrations after win, especially considering the manner of the victory?

“You couldn’t write the script of the way it ended. I missed my penalty which was our first one - I just smashed it down the middle, but got underneath it a little and it came back out off the bar. At that point, I remember thinking that might’ve been it for us, but our keeper Mark Cairns scored a penalty then saved their last one to clinch and it was a real special moment for us. I remember we went back to the Dunmar Hotel, the celebrations went well into the night and there was a bit of dancing on the tables, but we deserved it. I didn’t buy a drink in the town for weeks and I reckon the celebrations must’ve lasted a good few weeks after.” You seemed to have a strong bond with the Wasps faithful - how important will their support be for the players this time around?

“We were buoyed on by the tremendous support we got that day. The whole town came out to back us and the travelling support through at Airdrie was different class. I always had a real good relationship with the fans at the Recs which I still hold to this day and when you have them with you then they really back you to the hilt. They were amazing that day supporting us right to the very end and I know they will be the same on Wednesday.” What was the key factor to the success of that squad and do you see any similarities with the current squad?

“We had a really strong bond throughout the dressing room. Martin Cameron had a superb game for us and played well up front with the experience of Willie Irvine beside him, but we were all there battling for each other. We had an experienced side with myself, Willie Irvine, Ian Little and Jimmy Boyle and that experience was crucial for us. That win really helped kick on our season as we went onto clinch promotion and that is where I see similarities with the current Alloa squad. If they can get through to the final it is something that could really help give them the momentum to stay in the league this season. These are the type of games you remember about your career when you finish playing. I have been impressed with some of Alloa’s results this season, but it is a very difficult league they are in and so there are many high and lows. They were superb to get the draw at Rangers last time out against them, but when you are part-time against mainly full-time clubs it is really difficult to keep it going all the time. But that result really shows how strong a dressing-room they have there.” What is the best piece of advice you could give the players ahead of yet another momentous occasion for the club?

“The best advice I can give the players is just to enjoy the game and go in with no fears. It is a one off game where there is no pressure on them. All they can do is give their all and getting the result at Ibrox proves they have a strong spirit in the dressing room. We had that same spirit and it is crucial for these types of games to play as a cohesive unit and be in there kicking every ball with each other. Barry has played in hundreds of these types of games, has experience at the top level in our game and so he will have them well prepared for the game. To be playing on TV against, aruguably one of the biggest side in Scotland, then there isn’t really any more you can ask for as a player.” Do you think Alloa can do the unthinkable and topple Rangers?

Yes I do because there is always a chance. Football is a funny game where anything can happen - you need a bit of luck on the day and maybe the keeper to have a good game - they will have to hang tough, but if they can do that then that is where I see them having a decent chance of winning. Everyone knows it will be tough for them to win, but hopefully if they have that inner belief that they can do it. They have nothing to lose, all the pressure is on Rangers and there is the reward of a final waiting for them so here’s hope they can nick a result because it would be great for the club and the community.”