PETER GRANT has paid tribute to the Alloa fans who made the journey to Elgin for Saturday's Scottish Cup clash.

A swarm of Wasps braved the 286-mile round trip to Borough Briggs to see the part-timers secure their place in the fourth round with a victory over the League Two outfit.

Goals from Scott Taggart, Kevin Cawley, and Kevin O'Hara did the damage after Rory MacEwan had given Gavin Price's City a shock lead at the break.

It's not the first time this season the Wee County faithful have gone the distance to see their team having clocked up the miles to Inverness and Dumfries already.

"Our fans have been phenomenal," Grant told Advertiser Sport. "They were in Elgin on Saturday and went to Inverness twice in a week to show their support for the team.

"The supporters have taken the time to travel up and give us their backing and I have so much respect for that.

"People think about the money just going in, but then you have to add your food or drinks and a programme."

The win earned Alloa a home-tie with Championship rivals Inverness in January as they avoided the daunting task of facing either of the Old Firm.

It will mean a sixth meeting with John Robertson's Caley Jags this season alone with the two sides coincidentally facing one another this Saturday at the Recs in league action.

"I always say the important thing is to get a home draw," Grant, 54, continued. "While people say they want 'this draw or away to that team' I want to go as far in this competition as possible.

"We know Inverness are going to be strong and we have to be better at home; that's something we've said all season.

"We need to be more consistent and that's been a problem over the last two or three years.

"We have to make the Recs a fortress and we know we are going to be in for a tough, tough game.

"Inverness are a team who can probably play two teams in the Championship and have great squad depth.

"John (Robertson) will probably be sick of the sight of me by now."

There is a chance there could be a seventh meeting with Inverness if the cup tie ends in a draw, meaning another six-hour round trip to the Caledonian Stadium for the replay.

Long gone are the days of multiple replays – Grant once faced Aberdeen in deciding clash at Dundee's Dens Park after his Celtic side couldn't find a way past them at Parkhead or Pittodrie – and the Wasps boss reiterated his belief that one extra fixture is enough for both fans and players.

Meanwhile, Liam Dick made his long awaited return from injury in the win over Elgin and Grant praised the full back for his performance.

He said: "It was great to see Liam back on the pitch and it was a boost to the team.

"Coming off at half-time, I was very pleased with his fitness levels and that is also a great credit to the whole group with how hard they work.

"We also then had the opportunity to play the two young lads (Cammy O'Donnell and Nathan Gilhooly) who did very well."