CAMBUSLANG RANGERS boss Paul McColl is on a recruitment drive to fill the boots of goalscoring midfielder Alex Smith.

His much-changed Somervell Park side proudly occupy pole position in the Central Second Division and now boast the only 100% league record after Smith and Bob Davidson were on the mark in last weekend’s 2-1 triumph away to Port Glasgow.

But their third consecutive victory came at a heavy price after Smith picked up an ankle knock that renders him a definite non-starter for this coming Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash against second-placed Lanark United and threatens to rule him out for a number of weeks.

The Wee Gers gaffer admitted: “Aldo's injury is a blow as he’s been excellent up to now, however his likely absence only serves to highlight our need to get a few more bodies around the place.

“Young prospects Stevie Howie and Graham Hudson didn't make the trip to Woodhall Park because of prior commitments and their loss coming hard on the heels of goalkeeper John Mullen being released at his own request in the previous midweek left us with only 13 available players against the Port.

“That’s just too threadbare a playing squad for any team…and particularly for one with hopes of mounting a title challenge.”

McColl who has warned his Somervell Park playing charges to be wary of a backlash from erstwhile league leaders Lanark revealed ,” The first newcomer is already on board as goalkeeper Daryll Jones, who was previously a trialist with Beith, made an impressive debut down at the Port and even saved a penalty-kick.

“Hopefully he can put up the shutters in his first home game because Lanark are a decent side whose own great start to the season was ever so slightly marred by a 0-0 draw with Benburb so we will have to be at our best to come out on top.”

As is his way, Paul was not for revealing any of his signing targets, however sure to be on his radar is Rossvale's transfer listed ex-Wishaw striker Chris Gordon who is also allegedly subject to an approach by Second Division rivals Glasgow Perthshire.

No real surprise to hear Gordon has grown disenchanted at his lack of starting appearances with the Bishopbriggs based Vale given their current crop of frontmen are not having any trouble finding the net and are the highest scoring West Region outfit following last weekend’s crushing 7-1 defeat of Wishaw.

Team boss Martin Lauchlan insisted: “We have hit the ground running in terms of goalscoring with Jay Mackay leading the way with 11 goals in 12 games but we have a real array of options up front and have guys like ex-Morton frontman Ryan Kane to call on while others such as Alex Cassells and Ryan Kane are also comfortable if asked to play up top.

He added: “The forward going guys are scoring for fun but interestingly enough Senior clubs are flocking to our games in order to run the rule over our 19-year-old full-back prospect Martin Hardie.

“His excellent displays have caught the eye and the upshot is he was out on trial with Alloa last night and will be down at Stranraer tonight while waiting in the wings to speak with him are Ayr United.

“He's still a youngster learning his trade but he’s ready to make the step up if you ask me.”

Hardie is the latest talent to emerge from the Rossvale ranks and one-time Partick Thistle midfielder Lauchlan makes no apologies for putting his faith in youth.

He said: “The average age of our team last Saturday was 20 and it’s a clear sign of the many changes that have taken place when only four players remain from our Central Second Division title-winning side from last season.

“But the younger guys are in the team on merit and not because of their birth certificate so they’ll continue to get the nod as long as they are doing the business out on the pitch.

“Carluke Rovers on their Astrograss pitch will provide a stern test this week but nobody here is running scared at the prospect as we feel capable of matching up against anyone.”

Always happy to hear of Junior football clubs doing their bit to raise funds for good causes and that’s certainly the case this coming Sunday, September 20, when Neilston host the Eighth Legends event with events kicking off at 1pm with Neilston taking on Pollok and next up is Arthurlie against Arden Villa Veterans.

Neilston Wasps will add to the entertainment on offer by playing a short seven-a-side game prior to the two winning sides meeting in the final.

The Yorkhill Foundation and Bliss (in aid of premature babies) are the two charities set to benefit from the day.

SATURDAY FIXTURES

(Kick-offs 2pm)

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

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

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

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