HIGH NOON AT THE SEASIDE

The less daunting prospect (not Stuart Davidson’s words) of a particularly challenging double-header awaits the Largs Thistle team boss and his playing charges tomorrow afternoon when they run out at Barrfields to take on Hurlford United..

This latest locking of horns comes hard on the heels of a 2-1 victory over reigning Premier Division champions Darvel in midweek, and now an all too short three day interlude later finds `The Theesel `preparing to form the opposition again as West of Scotland League Cup holders Hurlford make a first defence of the coveted silverware, won last season with a 3-2 penalty kicks shoot-out triumph over Kilwinning Rangers following a 1-1 regulation time stalemate.

STUART “ARNIE” DAVIDSON MAKES HIS FEELINGS KNOWN

“As tough a couple of back to back games as you can possibly get but I don’t think our guys will find it too difficult to lift themselves all over again, “ said Arnie before adding, “If beating Darvel in their own backyard and more importantly in the manner we did, doesn’t give us a belief in ourselves then nothing will?”

He went on, “That said, Hurlford are arguably the team everyone else least enjoys playing against as my players know only too well from recent experience because it’s only a matter of weeks since we snatched a 95^th minute equalizer to earn a 2-2 draw at Blair Park when they were down to only ten men.

“ No real surprise there as Darren Henderson teams always play with a high work ethic and are extremely streetwise and well organized so it’s a given that you need to put a right shift in (and then some) to stand a chance of getting anything from games against them.

” Like myself, he’s an “old school” type manager but his way of playing still allows for outstanding individuals to thrive such as Marc McKenzie, Jack Whittaker, Sam Liddington and of course the evergreen (Paul McKenzie), however even guys of their ability and standing in the game have to put in the hard yards to hold down a place in Darren’s thoughts.”

This current campaign has seen Arnie’s own line-up undergo a raft of changes not least because of a Stenhousemuir signing raid stealing away last season’s top goalscorer Will Sewell as well as injury blows ruling out burly front man Scott Adam and left sided midfielder Lawrie McMaster .

Among his dressing room additions are ex-St Cadocs striker Scott Lewis, scorer of both goals in the defeat of Darvel, former Yoker Athletic duo, Ryan McCreath and David McGrath who both featured in the Whe Ho’s losing Scottish Junior Cup Final side against Auchinleck Talbot back in early June as well as Morton Youth prospects pair Blair Devine and Arnie’s own 18 year old son Lewis.

Said the seasoned gaffer, “ Lewis probably didn’t expect to play as many games as he has up to now however he’s been doing well and is in the team purely on merit.

“ Ryan has also looked the part in helping give us a solid backline playing alongside Connor McGoldrick and Cory Hughes while the fairly recent arrival of David Ramsay from Irvine Meadow has undoubtedly made a difference up front.

“Having to utilize a lot of youngsters to make up the numbers has given us the relative luxury of a full complement of substitutes but the downside is inconsistency and a mixed bag of results so I cannot wait to see how we will fare when we finally get a fully fit and available squad together .”

Hurlford, sitting third top of the Premier standings , albeit just two points better off than ninth placed Largs, make the journey through to the seaside, with an injury doubt hanging over talisman midfielder Taz after he was forced to come off with fully 30 minutes left to play during Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw away to Glenafton.

Hendo admitted, “ Largs are coming off a tremendous result against Darvel and pose a real threat especially down at Barrfields so I’m keen that Taz pulls through and we go into the game as close to full strength as possible.

“He really is one of a kind and has played a massive part in our Cup runs over the past decade so I seriously doubt if I’ll ever sign someone of his likes ever again and it would make for a fitting tribute if he could get his hands on a trophy again in what is his testimonial season. PAUL “TAZ” McKENZIE…ONE OF A KIND

“ A lot of our younger types are likewise hungry for more after their first taste of silverware last time out but there’s no denying they’re going to need the old guard of , Taz, Chris McKnight, Chris Robertson and Squib (Marc McKenzie) to get over the line again .

” We are the holders and could have received a kinder draw but we’ll deal with it.”

Another all-top flight head to head pulled from the First Round hat has set long standing Ayrshire adversaries Irvine Meadow and Cumnock on a Meadow Park collision course which sees George Grierson seeking to extend his seven game unbeaten run (5 wins and 2 draws) since recently taking up the helm of the Irvine club.

His continuing convalescence from hip surgery saw him posted missing for the 1-0 home win over Rob Roy in midweek which promoted Medda to joint top of the Premier table , (Callum Graham credited with the only goal) however he is determined to be back trackside for tomorrow’s contest.

George insisted, “ A lot of people are saying we are the in-form side but Cumnock have themselves been on a great run and have just a Scottish Cup defeat by Dumbarton in their last seven outings.

“ Having as many as seven ex-Medda signings in their ranks as well as the former management team of Brian McGinty and Stevie Aitchison only adds spice to the occasion and there’s sure to be one of the biggest crowds of the day watching on.”

Elsewhere, rejuvenated Arthurlie will be going all out to inflict further misery on a Kilwinning Rangers side left reeling by a 6-0 hammering at the hands of Auchinleck Talbot on Wednesday night while the Newlandsfield clash of near neighbours Pollok and St Cadocs promises to be tasty as does the Springburn meeting of Petershill .and Forth Wanderers which has long in the tooth Junior character Ian Currie looking to celebrate his first win as the new Peasy Gaffer.

PLAYING TOMORROW (Kick Offs1.30 PM): P.D.M Buildbase Premier Division. Darvel v Rob Roy..PDM Buildbase First Division. Neilston v Johnstone Burgh . PDM Buildbase Second Division. Glasgow Utd v Glasgow University,Ardeer Thistle v Greenock, Craigmark v Kilsyth Rangers.PDM Buildbase Third Division. Lesmahagow v Royal Albert, Dalry Thistle v Vale of Leven , Lanark Utd v Bellshill Athletic, Irvine Vics v Vale of Clyde..PDM Buildbase Fourth Division. Easterhouse F.A v Rossvale Academy.West of Scotland Football League Cup.Girvan v Rossvale, Renfrew v Threave Rovers, Saltcoats Vics v Kilbirnie Ladeside, Troon v Glasgow Perthshire, Kello Rovers v Wishaw,Newmains Utd v St Rochs, West Park Utd v Benburb, Bonnyton Thistle v Kilsyth Athletic,Largs Thistle v Hurlford Utd, Carluke Rovers v Finnart, Irvine Meadow v Cumnock, Port Glasgow v Yoker Athletic, Glenafton v Glenvale, Maybole v Beith, Petershill v Forth Wanderers, Maryhill v Rutherglen Glencairn, Eglinton v Clydebank, Shotts Bon Accord v Ardrossan Winton Rovers, Arthurlie v Kilwinning Rangers, BSC Glasgow v Harmony Row,Ashfield v Lugar Boswell, Pollok v St Cadocs, Cumbernauld Utd v St Peters,Thorn Athletic v St Anthonys, Campbelltown Pupils v Gartcairn, Larkhall Thistle v Drumchapel Utd, Whitletts Vics v Blantyre Vics, Auchinleck Talbot v Muirkirk.

Regards

Jim O’Donnell