DUNFERMLINE'S men's first XV have been urged to "have a go" when they welcome higher league opposition on cup duty this weekend.

Stirling County, who play two divisions above Gavin Emerson's team in National League Division Two, visit McKane Park on Saturday in round two of Scottish Rugby's men's National League Cup.

The visitors, one of the most recognisable names within the domestic game, progressed to meet Dunfermline by beating Hamilton Bulls 43-8 in the first round of the competition earlier this month.

They currently sit seventh in their division, and face a home side who defeated Perthshire 55-15 on Saturday in the league, which leaves them sixth and having achieved safety in their first season back playing National League level rugby since 2015.

Dunfermline Press: Gavin Emerson is keen for Dunfermline to test themselves against a Stirling County side two divisions above them.Gavin Emerson is keen for Dunfermline to test themselves against a Stirling County side two divisions above them. (Image: David Wardle.)

Head coach Emerson (pictured above) admitted he was pleased that the draw will pit his side against a club from a higher division, commenting: "When the cup draw came out I said I would love to have a Stirling County at home, just to have a test.

"I didn't want to play against another team from our league. I wanted to play someone from a higher league and just put the boys under that test.

"It's an opportunity for us to have a taste of the National Two team and see. Last week, in the first round of the League Cup, there was a few upsets, National Four beating National Two and National Three teams, so the opportunity's there.

"There's no expectation from us, from the coaches, in terms of a result. Let's just have a shot at it and see where we fall.

"Some of the guys might be seeing it as it's a higher team, they're going to be bigger and stronger, but it doesn't matter. It's a cup game - anything can happen.

"They might put out a weaker team because they want to concentrate on the end of their league campaign - there's loads of different things there.

"They might put out a weaker team because they want to concentrate on the end of their league campaign - there's loads of different things there.

"Like I say, there was already some upsets in the first round, with Murrayfield Wanderers beating a team from a higher league (Cartha Queen's Park, of National League Division Three), Garnock nearly taking Kirkcaldy (of National League Division Two, losing 29-33), and there was another upset in it as well.

"Let's have a go."

Emerson added: "Hopefully a few more players will come through and be available.

"It's tough. At this end of the season, guys are maybe getting a little bit burnt out, but I keep trying to say to them that we've made a commitment to the season. Let's finish the season in good spirits and ride it out because it has been successful."

Saturday's game, at the time of going to press, is scheduled to kick off at 3pm, but Dunfermline were hopeful of agreeing an earlier start due to Scotland taking on Ireland on the final day of the Six Nations at 4.45pm.