JAMIE DARROCH says Irvine Meadow will prove their doubters wrong by showing they have what it takes to climb the Super Premier Division table.

It really does beggar belief to find the Ayrshire big guns sitting rock bottom of the standings following back-to-back defeats to Arthurlie and Shettleston, however defiant defensive cornerstone Jamie insists he and his team-mates are looking to the future with confidence.

And he, probably more than most, will be a man on a mission tomorrow afternoon when Medda prepare to host the visit of his former employers Pollok, themselves pointless and every bit as determined to restore their ailing fortunes.

The 25-year-old acknowledged: “Normally my approach would be to treat Pollok’s visit as just another game but ours has been anything but a positive start to the season and that’s something everyone in our dressing room is determined to rectify.

“We were absolutely shocking, myself included, in losing 4-0 to Shettleston last week so a showpiece game was needed to help us bounce back and without doubt a head to head with Pollok fits the bill in that respect.

“I put my hand up and took the blame for Shettleston’s first goal even though deep down I realise the competition for defensive places means making a fatal mistake could result in me losing my starting place.

“But fingers crossed I can get the chance to make amends tomorrow, however I know just how tough it will be to come out on top against my former team-mates especially when they will be hurting after their own poor start.

“That said, I’m part of a squad that hasn’t played anywhere near our capabilities in the opening league games and owe it to a top-quality backroom staff and not least of all our supporters to turn things around.”

Hard not to think Medda gaffer Stevie Rankin will take due cognizance of one- time Campsie Black Watch starlet Jamie’s insider knowledge of Pollok’s playing strengths.

The centre-back revealed: “Pollok have some top players but skipper Paul Gallagher is massive for them and I have no hesitation in saying he’s up there with the best central defenders in Junior football.

“It’s no surprise that recent defeats have coincided with him dropping out of the team through his knee injury and we have to be aware that his return to the fray will give their players a boost.

“And further forward the pairing of Alan McKenzie and Davie Winters pose a real scoring threat.

“They have movement and great finishing skills so trying to keep them quiet represents a massive challenge but we have players who will relish giving it their best shot.”

Earlier today, manager Rankin insisted the poor performance is firmly behind him and his Medda players.

He admitted: “We had a long and frank chat after Saturday’s fiasco and the players know what’s expected of them.

“To be fair their application and the tempo at training this week has been first class and now the Pollok game cannot come soon enough.

“If we play as we can then I’m confident of getting a result but I’m pretty sure Tony McInally will be saying the same thing to his players.”

BACK-UP goalkeeper Jamie Donnelly was released at his own request in midweek while in the very doubtful category are Grant Evans and Liam Finnigan (groin strains) and their likely absence could spell an immediate call to arms for Ryan Deas who only flew back from holiday last night.

Pollok have no such selection woes given Tony McInally feels his side will receive a boost from the return of Colin Williamson (holiday) and fit-again wing ace Kevin Bradley. McInally said: “We were flying right up until the Euroscot quarter-final tie with Petershill so injuries and holiday commitments have clearly come at the wrong time.

“Thankfully, there is now light at the end of the tunnel and I’d like to think the guys’ performances will show a marked improvement in view of last weekend’s embarrassing showing against Arthurlie.

“To find ourselves two goals down before seven Pollok players had even touched the ball was quite surreal and I’ve never known anything like it in my entire footballing career.

“To be sitting with no points is not to my liking but I know that situation will not stay the same now that the squad is getting back to full strength.”

Meanwhile, West Region chiefs revealed Meadow Park will host the first cup final of the season when the Ardagh Glass League Cup final is staged there on Sunday, October 4.

Two weeks later (Sunday, October 18) will see Petershill and Vale of Clyde contest the Euroscot Eng Sectional League at Somervell Park in Cambuslang.

TOMORROW'S FIXTURES

(Kick-offs 2pm)

West Region Super Premier Division: Kilbirnie Ladeside v Arthurlie, Glenafton v Hurlford Utd, Beith v Troon, Shettleston v Rob Roy, Irvine Meadow v Pollok, Auchinleck Talbot v Petershill.

West Region Super First Division: Clydebank v Bellshill Athletic, Cumbernauld Utd v Rutherglen Glencairn, Greenock v Maybole, Largs Thistle v Kilwinning Rangers, Winton Rovers v Cumnock, Kilsyth Rangers v Shotts Bon Accord, Blantyre Vics v Yoker.

West Region Central First Division: Vale of Clyde v Larkhall Thistle, Neilston v St Anthony's, Renfrew v Maryhill, Lesmahagow v Johnstone Burgh, Rossvale v Wishaw, St Roch's v Carluke Rovers, Thorniewood Utd v Dunipace.

West Region Central Second Division: Ashfield v Gartcairn, Royal Albert v Forth, Port Glasgow v Cambuslang Rangers, Lanark Utd v Benburb, Vale of Leven v East Kilbride Thistle, Glasgow Perthshire v Newmains Utd.

West Region Ayrshire District Division: Craigmark v Saltcoats Vics, Muirkirk v DalryThistle, Lugar Boswell v Whitletts Vics, Darvel v Irvine Vics, Ardeer Thistle v Kello Rovers.