HIGH-flying Ayr United were tipped as title contenders in the early part of the season and for a spell went toe-to-toe with Ross County.

However a form dip midway through the season saw the men from Dingwall ultimately break clear to land the Ladbrokes Championship crown.

Now the great rivals from last season go head-to-head in the sixth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup at Somerset Park on Saturday.

Ayr midfielder Ross Docherty is relishing the challenge.

United were out of action as their scheduled Championship clash with Dundee at Dens Park was called off owing to flooding.

Now the Honest Men are raring to go and will be hoping to kick start another cup run to match some famous ones in the past couple of decades.

Docherty, who leaves at the end of the season after signing a pre-contract deal with a Partick Thistle team bossed by former United manager Ian McCall, is still very much focused on the job in hand at Ayr.

He said: “I’m totally committed to Ayr while I’m here although will be moving on to a new challenge at the end of the season,

“It was frustrating not having a game on Saturday as we had some momentum from a really good win at Dunfermline.

“The Scottish Cup is really important to this club from the point of views that it can bring in some revenue.

“I’m aware that past Ayr sides have gone to Hampden and a couple of years ago we progressed to the quarter-finals only to lose to Hibernian at Easter Road.

“It would be great if we could go on another good run.”

Docherty says the Premiership team are firm favourites.

He said: “The pressure is all on Ross County to get a result as they are the Premiership team, they beat us a couple of times last season.

“We can play with a bit of freedom We are the underdogs but will be hoping to spring a surprise and win our way through.”

“Hopefully we have a good turnout and the fans all get behind us.”