A TALENTED squad of West Fife footballers will play “the biggest game of their lives” in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup this weekend.

Girls’ side Bayside Blacks 13s are just one step away from reaching the showpiece match of the prestigious tournament and will go head-to-head with Motherwell FC Claret in Edinburgh on Sunday.

The skilful team, the majority of whom were league winners as Bayside 12s last year, are edging closer to repeating the exploits of their predecessors from 12 months ago.

The Bayside Girls 2016 class saw off Hibs Girls to claim the trophy – and an historic unbeaten treble that also included the league and League Cup – but the latest crop to emerge at the club are now also standing on the brink of history.

After beating Bonnyton Thistle, Wishaw Wycombe Wanderers and Musselburgh Windsor in previous rounds, a closely-fought 1-0 win over Bedlay CFC at Pitreavie earlier this month sent them through to the last four.

It is the team’s last year playing seven-a-side football before they make the move to 11-a-side and coach David Noble told Press Sport that they were desperate to follow their pals from last year and reach the final.

“They will be difficult opponents but the girls will be ready for what is the biggest game of their lives so far, he said.

“That’s what we’re working towards and we’re in the performance league for the second half of the season, with teams like Raith Rovers, Dundee United Soccer Club and Forfar Farmington.

“That’s put us in a good position to prepare because every game is close and a challenge. The girls know they have to battle for every result and their tenacity, determination and work-rate is unreal.

“At the start of the season, we set our targets and one of them was to reach the semi-final, so I’m really proud they’ve achieved it.

“But they’re determined to get to the final, especially as their predecessors and good friends won the trophy last year.”

David continued: “We’ll prepare well for the game and will be able to do our homework on them. We were able to see a DVD of Bedlay in an earlier round and share it with the players, asking them to consider things about how they play and how to combat that. We got good feedback from it so we’ll do the same with Motherwell.

“Physically, on average, we’re a bit smaller than many teams but I’m confident they’ve got the fight, desire and skill to create chances, maybe sneak a goal and hold a lead. Against Bedlay, we shocked them with an early goal and put the pressure on them, so if we can keep it tight at the back we know we can use our pace and creativity to score goals.

“We know how we have to play to have any chance but Motherwell will know they’ve been in a game.”

Bayside, who are looking for players born in 2004-2005 for next year, take on Motherwell at Spartans’ Ainslie Park ground in Edinburgh at 10.30am.