THERE is no lack of intriguing clashes in the Stagecoach Leagues tomorrow afternoon but it doesn't get much better than Super Premier Division leaders Irvine Meadow squaring up to second-placed Petershill down at Meadow Park.

A meaty head-to-head is in the offing, not least because of the self-inflicted pressure on the visiting Peasy to pick up three points after setting their sights on title glory in the wake of a shock Scottish Junior Cup first-round exit at the hands of North Region outfit Hermes.

Gaffer Willie Patterson has worked wonders in guiding a revamped Springburn squad to within touching distance of pole position but he needs his playing charges to step up to the plate like never before if they are to give their Ayrshire hosts a dose of the blues.

The Peasy are handicapped by suspension ruling out two defensive stalwarts, full-back Craig Palmer and centre-back Jordan Chisholm.

The Peasy boss fumed: " It's a big enough ask to beat one of the title favourites on their own patch without having to do it without big-game players. This shooting ourselves in the foot must stop.

"On the up side, Tony Stevenson is back after his ban. We also have Kenny Hadden back from a spell working in the USA and he has trained alongside the guys this week hoping to put himself into contention for a jersey."

"The stakes are high for both sides and there's sure to be extra fire in the bellies with players wanting to do well against their former clubs.

"Our striker Scott Sally had a short spell on Medda's books last season while Jordan Murch swapped camps in the other direction and they also can call on Michael Keenan and Paul McLaughlin who were Petershill players from further back in time."

Medda No.2 Murdie McKinnon minds the shop with boss Stevie Rankin away. His only injury is the long-term one to Paul Maxwell. Murdie said: "Stevie and I are long-time acquaintances of Willie and Paul Kelly which has only added to the strong rivalry between the clubs.

"Both dugouts - Ian Penman is assisting myself - will be going all-out to win the game. Willie has brought in a raft of young players who have shown up well and his squad includes Bert Wright and Jason Elliot who both played for the Ashfield team managed by Stevie that won the Evening Times Cup three years ago."

Elsewhere, the record seven Junior clubs that started in this season's William Hill Scottish Cup has been whittled down to three going into Saturday's third-round ties.

Linlithgow Rose have a tough hurdle to overcome in playing host to strong Championship outfit Raith Rovers but it is not beyond the realms of possibility for Bo'ness United and Hurlford United to make it into the fourth round.

East Region league champions Bo'ness head for Elgin City, currently propping up Scottish League Two. Scottish Junior Cup holders Hurlford host bottom Scottish League One side Stirling Albion.

The Ayrshire team's boss Darren Henderson is relishing the occasion and insists his players won't hold back.

He said: "Nobody should read too much into Stirling Albion's league position as they are a much better side than results indicate and we have a massive challenge on our hands, but not an insurmountable one.

"We've watched them twice and reports indicate they are very well organised with top-quality players in the striker Steven Dorris and the ­physically imposing Craig Wedderburn.

"Home advantage , particularly if our supporters turn out in numbers, could work in our favour and I sense that the players are gearing themselves up to put in a huge effort.

"If our flair players Stewart Kean and Taz McKenzie are on song, if Neil McGregor is at his defensive best and if Ally Brown's eye is in, then Stirling Albion will know they've been in a game."

The Blair Park showdown kicks off at 2pm.

SATURDAY'S FIXTURES

(2pm kick-offs unless stated)

Scottish Junior Cup. Second round: Stoneywood v Deveronside. Replays: Carnoustie v West Calder, Fauldhouse v Armadale, Glencairn v Culter.

Stagecoach Super Premier: Arthurlie v Auchinleck, Cumnock v Beith, Glenafton v Kilbirnie, Irvine Meadow v Petershill, Troon v Clydebank.

Super First: Greenock v Largs, Kilsyth v Neilston, Pollok v Ardeer, Rob Roy v Irvine Vics, Shettleston v Thorniewood, Yoker v Maybole.

Central District First: Bellshill v Larkhall, Dunipace v Ashfield, Lanark v St Anthony's, Lesmahagow v Carluke, Maryhill v Wishaw, Renfrew v Vale of Clyde.

Central District Second: Cambuslang v Forth, Port Glasgow v Johnstone Burgh, Rossvale v Glasgow Perthshire, St Roch's v Royal Albert, Vale of Leven v East Kilbride.

Ayrshire District League: Annbank v Dalry, Ardrossan v Kilwinning, Craigmark v Muirkirk, Girvan v Lugar, Kello v Darvel, Saltcoats v Whitletts.