Darren Henderson is determined to let his Hurlford United players do the talking for him in today’s ETHXenergy Scottish Junior Cup fifth-round clash with Rossvale.

And with good cause because there is every likelihood of the Blair Park head-to-head going down in the story of this 2015/16 campaign as the pivotal moment when the Ford got their season back on track following what has been a rollercoaster opening six months.

Pointing out that his side have already lost twice as many Super Premier Division games as they did in the whole of last season when finishing runners- up to champions Auchinleck Talbot evoked something of a withering stare from Henderson.

He said: “The stats are what the stats are, but what they don’t do is give credit where it’s due to the stronger challenge coming from the likes of Rob Roy, Pollok, Glenafton and Kilbirnie Ladeside.

“They now boast better players and can put out much improved teams for it so it’s only natural that they are taking points from ourselves and also Auchinleck who have likewise lost more league games this time out.

“But my guys have been over the course and distance in going for a league and cup double before, so nobody should rule out their chances of coming with a title challenge particularly now that the most horrendous run of injuries I’ve ever experienced in my career is showing signs of coming to an end.

“Look, not for a minute am I saying I’m the only team boss to have key players ruled out of action.

"However, not having Ryan Nisbet, Chris Robertson, Ross Robertson and Paul McKenzie has undoubtedly affected us.

“Their return after lengthy absences is a major boost and it says everything that I’m feeling significantly more upbeat about my selection hand ahead of facing Rossvale, despite Martin Brown, Euan Blair and Gus Cochrane being rated definite non-starters.

“Dressing room spirit has not been dented one iota by our critics, yet I do fancy the guys will be looking to make a statement with their performance.”

The Bishopbriggs outfit have been bestowed with a 7/1 no-hopers tag by bookmakers, however Hendo insists today’s outcome is no foregone conclusion.

He added: “We took in their 3-1 defeat by Cumnock last weekend and they are a young side with a lot of energy and legs as you might expect.

“On that basis we made plans for the tie, but Martin Lauchlan has thrown a proverbial spanner in the works by signing up Bobby Petta as he has the quality to exert a major influence on these younger players if he’s available to play of course.”

Rossvale gaffer Lauchlan was not for disclosing his playing hand last night when saying: "Hurlford were beaten semi-finalists last season and cup winners the year before so it’s a massive test for our players but one we are not running scared from.”

Meanwhile, another predominantly youthful side feeling capable of making a mockery of their underdogs tag are Kilwinning Rangers even though they are hosting the visit to Abbey Park of Linlithgow Rose.

The East Region kingpins have won acclaim throughout the Junior world and beyond for their William Hill Scottish Cup exploits this season however Buffs boss Chris Strain is confident of matching up with them.

He said: "Linlithgow are a technically excellent team with a few gifted individuals thrown into the mix and I’ve no doubts they will not be in the slightest bit fearful of coming here.

“But we are going into the game on the back of an unbeaten run stretching back all of four months and with four clean sheets in our last five outings so there’s no lack of confidence in our camp either.

“Kilwinning supporters are beginning to rally behind us and Linlithgow fans are expected to come through in numbers.

"So a bumper crowd is certain to create a cup-tie atmosphere the likes of which my players have never experienced before.

“That said, we possess the talent in our ranks to pose anyone problems and as long as we play the game and not the occasion then I fancy we can do well.

“We watched Rose overcome Irvine Meadow in the last round and respect their ability to hit on the break but they might pay a price for allowing our advanced players to get into the final third where they can hurt their opponents.”

The fourth tie taking place in Ayrshire climes has Darvel awaiting the visit of Arthurlie whose decision to transfer hitman Chris Dallas to Glenafton on Thursday evening has both delighted and bamboozled Ayrshire gaffer Scott Clelland.

He said: "Arthurlie gave us a 6-2 going over in a third round tie at their place last season and the lad Dallas was the difference between the teams.

“I was trying to think of ways to nullify him this time out so it’s a relief to hear of his departure, even though I can only wonder about the quality of strikers at Stevie Kerrigan’s disposal if he can afford to let the likes of Dallas move on."

Clelland, formerly a player with Darvel, Lugar Boswell and Girvan is an exuberant character as you might expect from someone who has just received the all-clear from testicular cancer that has caused him to be posted absent for chunks of this season.

He praised his playing charges in saying: "Nobody gives us a chance of causing an upset against Arthurlie but we were similarly written off against Troon in the last round and both Lochore Welfare and Blairgiowrie in earlier rounds.

“The players survived those tests and I detect they are in the mood to ruffle a few more feathers.”

Only concern for the Darvel boss on the playing front concerns the availability of star midfielder Dougie Robertson who only flew back from holiday last night.