Renfrew being tagged as underdogs is not an exception among teams going up against West Region leading lights Auchinleck, according to seasoned Frew co-boss Colin Clark who hopes his side being dismissed as no-hopers can prove a positive factor.

“Talbot are a phenomenally successful side who clearly have a winning formula that they have rarely if ever deviated from down through the years," he said

“Reports we’ve had reckon the big lad Hyslop is a danger getting on the end of crosses in the box, but it’s always been the Talbot way to have an aerially strong midfielder and I recall Bryan Slavin from my playing days .

This is the first time I’ve come up against them as a manager but it was every bit as difficult trying to compete with them as a player though I do recall running Tucker and his team close for the league title one season.

“Facing them in a cup final scenario is a tough proposition at best.

"However, it’s akin to a `freebie` for our guys as nobody expects us to do anything other than turn up ,take a trouncing and head away with our losers medals .

“But neither myself Martin Ferry or Jimmy Quigley are in fear of Talbot so we are determined to make a game of it and most importantly …so are our players.”

Clarky has been urging his Frew charges to simply go out and enjoy the showpiece occasion even though the onset of holidays on top of injuries is set to leave the Central First Division kingpins minus top scorer Alain Kinney ,goalkeeper Dale Burgess, Fraser Barbour, Ross Hucknell, Chris Cameron, Gary McGarroch and Ian Nicholson.

A defiant Clarky said: “Our line-up may not be as strong as we’d like it to be, but if we can get eight or nine guys playing to a decent level then don’t rule out an upset.

“For certain we have it in us to create a few openings and if we take our chances then Renfrew are in with a real shout of winning the Evening Times Cup for a first time ever.

“The experience of playing at Newlandsfield in front of a big crowd will afford great experience to our young side and I just hope it’s the first of many similar occasions.”

Renfrew have several talents who would not be out of place playing at a higher league level and worth keeping an eye on is striker Darren Jones ,scorer of 13 goals since leaving Yoker Athletic in February to sign on at New Western Park.

He revealed: “The atmosphere at our training on both Monday and Wednesday nights was terrific and everyone is looking forward to the game .

“It’s my first ever game against Auchinleck and my first ever cup final at Junior level, so here’s hoping for a hat trick of firsts in the shape of a a winner's medal.

"However, I watched Talbot win the West Cup against Hurlford and realise they will take some beating.

“They are very strong and powerful all over the pitch but can also get the ball down to play passes but what really stuck out that night was the hunger shown by their players in closing down Hurlford whenever they were in possession and I fancy they will opt for a similar style of play against ourselves .

The enforced absence of Kinney and McGarroch points firmly towards Jones and Chris Zok forming a twin spearhead.

However, the 22-year-old is refusing to take his place for granted.

He added: “I didn’t exactly cover myself in glory when we beat Girvan in the semis, though I do believe our long lay-off since winning the title had taken the edge of my sharpness and I wasn’t the only one.

“Getting the chance to make amends in the final would be a dream come true and I fancy we will have a go at Auchinleck rather than play defensively.”