THERE is no lack of fascinating New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup ties scheduled for today, but undoubtedly the Portland Park meeting of Troon and Rob Roy is the pick of the bunch.

Especially when you consider Troon sit third top of the Super Premier Division pile two places below the table-topping Rabs.

And they play host to the Kirkintilloch outfit just a fortnight on from the clubs locking horns in a hard-fought Guys Meadow clash.

That result dramatically went the way of the Rabs after a Willie Sawyers header and Colin Spence own goal in the closing eight minutes brought a 2-1 scoreline in their favour.

And the fact their respective league positions would be reversed but for that finale is not lost on Rabs veteran defender Paul Finnigan.

He said: "I remember the Troon players feeling hard done by at the final whistle after dominating the early exchanges and causing us a lot of problems, particularly their strikers Sean McKenna and Adam Forsyth.

“We had started very poorly by our own standards and had looked second best for 20 to 25 minutes, but the game developed into a more evenly contested affair once we settled and got at them through Chris Duff and Jordan McGuire’s play in the wide areas and the midfield guile of Gary McMenamin.

“People might think we rode our luck in bagging two late goals, but what should not be overlooked is we also hit the bar twice and missed a penalty kick for good measure prior to getting back on level terms.

“What I will say is the evidence of that first game shows the teams are very closely matched so the cup tie is equally in the balance and could easily go either way.”

Back into the selection reckoning for the Rabs after recovering from an ankle injury is commanding stopper Danny Boyle, whose physical presence was not too sorely missed according to Finny.

Finnigan said: “Danny coming back into things is a major boost as he’s been outstanding all season, however the gaffer Stewart Maxwell has a major decision to make given the pairing of John Carter and Davie Barr were rock solid in the first Troon game.

“It’s a nice feeling to know we have quality players waiting in the wings because strength in depth is going to be needed if we are to stay top of the table for the foreseeable.

“Long may it last as this is a whole new experience for me - even at my age – and apart from loving our league leaders tag. How refreshing is it to see different names in the top spots like Troon, Pollok and our own?”

Troon boss Gordon Burns has ruled out seasoned full-back Neil McGowan with a thigh strain, but otherwise reports a clean bill of health as he looks to avenge his side’s league defeat.

Last night he insisted: "Rob Roy coming back to snatch victory from us is the price we paid for only scoring one goal during our period on top.

“The game could and should have been put to bed early on and I’d like to think that is a lesson to be taken on board in tomorrow’s game along with a bit of first hand nous in how to deal with their forward going players.

“Willie Sawyers was doing what he does best in rolling defenders in and around the penalty area as well as heading home a goal befitting of someone with his finishing prowess.

“ Yet he wasn’t nearly as impressive as the lad Duff who posed problems every time he was on the ball while further forward the movement and work rate of Kevin Watt meant our defenders couldn’t relax for a moment.

“Rob Roy can defend as well as the rest of us but you can understand them playing to their strengths given their quality players in the attacking areas so we must be on our guard and ensure the back door is kept shut if we want to win this tie.”

Cup holders Arthurlie will be minus suspended defender Gavin Rushford, serving a four-match ban, for the trip down to the remote Ayrshire outpost of Dalmellington to face Craigmark Burntonians.

Lie boss Robert Downs, who has transferred out-of-favour striker Danny Burns to Shotts Bon Accord, admitted: “Craigmark have won their last two league matches so we simply cannot turn up and take a place in the next round for granted.”

Last season’s beaten finalists Kilwinning Rangers should account for Darvel at Abbey Park, Beith’s attacking riches should dispose of Maybole, while a more competitive encounter is promised by Renfrew’s showdown with Hurlford United.

Nothing other than a resounding victory will suffice for Super Premier basement strugglers Irvine Meadow though arguably the best opportunity for a cup upset is at Holm Park where Clydebank host the visit of Whitletts Vics boasting two of the most prolific strikers going the rounds in Michael O’Connor and Tony Balfour.

On the comings and goings front, Rossvale are lamenting the loss of Alloa loan signing Martin Hardie, who has been recalled by his Senior side and goes straight into their first team to face Falkirk tomorrow.