Tam McDonald is hoping Shotts Bon Accord can rack up a first win against Ayrshire opponents when he leads his players down to face one of his former clubs Glenafton this coming Saturday.

Defeats at the hands of Auchinleck Talbot, Beith and Kilbirnie Ladeside at the weekend has acted to take the shine of the Lanarkshire outfit's achievements in taking the scalps of Petershill and Arthurlie on their return to the Super Premier Division top flight.

This somewhat erratic early-season form has not prevented McDonald remaining positive about his side's chances of coming good at Loch Park even though he is resigned to being without the penalty-box prowess of striker Sean McKenna who has been made available for transfer at his own request.

No reasons are forthcoming from Hannah Park circles, however it's believed an angry exchange of dressing room views during the interval against Kilbirnie, with Shotts trailing 2-1, culminated in veteran Gary McStay replacing top scorer McKenna.

Earlier today the Coatbridge- based hitman appeared to pour cold water on the chances of a reconciliation when saying: "These type of flare-ups occur in every dressing room and things are said in the heat of the moment which are regretted afterwards, but there is no way back for me now at Shotts and I'm looking to continue my career elsewhere."

McKenna whose former clubs include Petershill, Girvan and Bellshill Athletic has an impressive scoring record with Shotts of 32 goals in 40 starting appearances and his marksman abilities are sure to be in demand.

Rob Roy, still looking to replace the goals return of Willie Sawyers, are likely to be one of his suitors as could a misfiring Cumnock, especially as manager Brian McLuckie knows all about the 27-year- old's scoring abilities from working with him at Girvan.

Clydebank are another potential top league suitor as indeed are Super First Division frontrunners Pollok whose manager Tony McInally only has two recognised strikers Alan McKenzie and Davie Winters on the Newlandsfield books. Shotts boss Rambo insists he has other players capable of producing the goods in front of goal and wants them to prove it against Glenafton.

He said: "Sean has decreed his future is not at Shotts Bon Accord and we as a club must now accept his decision and get on with our season which continues at Glenafton on Saturday.

"It's always a tough game down there, but I sense the players are fired up to try and put things right after the disappointing manner of our defeat by Kilbirnie.

"One or two guys are desperate to take on the responsibility for wearing the shooting boots and we certainly have no intention of 'parking the bus' at Loch Park."

Glens boss Tommy Bryce has set his playing charges the double target of arresting a run of three consecutive league defeats to give themselves a much needed morale boost ahead of their next up game - an Ardagh Glass League Cup Final tilt against Auchinleck Talbot on Sunday, October 12.

The experienced gaffer said: "Missed chances have brought about our downfall as we haven't played all that badly in our games up to now.

"I can think of no better time to rediscover our spark in front of goal and the boys are keen to repay our supporters for standing by us despite our not giving them too much to cheer about recently.

"It would be good to say thanks for sticking by us and put them in good spirits going into the Talbot game."

Bryce welcomes back Alan Cairns and Pat Walker who were both posted missing in last weekend's 1-0 defeat by Beith.

However, long-term injured pair Scott Adam and Craig Menzies continue to be definite non-starters albeit the latter named has started light jogging this week.

News of McKenna's transfer listing raised the Bryce eyebrows as he is an avowed fan of the hitman's goalscoring feats.

He admitted: "Sean can punish your every mistake and has a habit of scoring against us so it's a relief not to be facing him.

"But I'm pretty sure the other Shotts players will be determined to show they can produce the goods without him so his absence might not be the lucky break we think it is."

Meanwhile, Kilbirnie must overcome a mini-injury crisis if they want to post a third league win on the spin when travelling through to meet managerless Arthurlie.

Chris Wilson, Liam McGuiness and Chris Malone were missing from their starting line-up against Shotts and it now looks as if midfield playmaker Stevie Meechan is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring pull at Hannah Park.

SATURDAY'S FIXTURES

Scottish Junior Cup First Round replays (2.30pm): Sauchie v Wishaw, Jeanfield Swifts v Oakley, Ardrossan Winton Rovers v St Anthony's, Clydebank v Colony Park, Tayport v Cruden Bay, Edinburgh Utd v Tranent.

Stagecoach Leagues Super Premier Division: Glenafton v Shotts Bon Accord, Arthurlie v Kilbirnie Ladeside, Irvine Meadow v Beith, Cumnock v Petershill.

Stagecoach Leagues Super First Division: Kilsyth Rangers v Largs Thistle, Greenock v Irvine Vics, Thorniewood Utd v Maybole, Yoker v Ardeer Thistle, Pollok v Neilston, Shettleston v Rutherglen Glencairn, Rob Roy v Cumbernauld Utd.

Stagecoach Leagues Central First Division: Bellshill Athletic v Lanark Utd, Lesmahagow v Larkhall Thistle, Benburb v Ashfield, Blantyre Vics v Dunipace, Carluke Rovers v Renfrew, Renfrew v Vale of Clyde.

Stagecoach Leagues Central Second Division: Cambuslang Rangers v East Kilbride Thistle, Rossvale v Newmains Utd, Royal Albert v Forth, St Roch's v Johnstone Burgh, Vale of Leven v Port Glasgow.

Stagecoach Leagues Ayrshire District: Craigmark v Dalry Thistle, Saltcoats Vics v Muirkirk, Kello Rovers v Kilwinning Rangers, Annbank Utd v Whitletts Vics, Girvan v Darvel.

William Hill Scottish Cup Second Round: Edinburgh City v Auchinleck Talbot, Inverurie Locos v Hurlford Utd, Bo'ness Utd v Culter, Linlithgow Rose v Dalbeattie Star, Brora Rangers v Banks O'Dee.