THE road to Hampden will begin in Scottish football's most south-westerly corner for Dunfermline with a trip to Stranraer next month.

The third round draw for the William Hill Scottish Cup, conducted yesterday evening (Sunday), will pitch Stevie Crawford's men with the League One club at Stair Park over the weekend of November 23.

Athletic enter the tournament this year one stage earlier than last season – when they were beaten 3-0 at Raith Rovers – when they came in at the fourth round stage, having finished outside of the top four in the Championship last term.

It will be a first meeting of the clubs since the 2015/16 League One campaign, which ended with the Pars – then managed by Allan Johnston – winning the title.

They won each of their first three games with the Blues during that season but, in the fourth, they were beaten 4-1 the last time they met in Stranraer, having already secured the championship.

Their last Scottish Cup clash came four years ago when, having been two goals up with 10 minutes to go, Dunfermline were taken to a replay at East End, which they lost 3-1.

Stevie Crawford's side were joined in the hat by the 10 clubs from League One, as well as Championship rivals Morton, Partick Thistle, Queen of the South, Alloa and Arbroath.