WHAT two things do Kenny McLean, Darren Christie, Andy Reid, Richie Burke, David McGowan and Thomas Collins have in common?

No doubt Beith Juniors statisticians will have been quick off the mark to point out this forever revered sextet all scored in the Ayrshire club’s Scottish Junior Cup opener last season – a 10-2 second round thrashing of Vale of Clyde – and they all went on to have a cup final playing part as the Mighty clinched a historic first-ever Holy Grail triumph … beating Pollok in a penalty-kick shoot-out.

Call it the luck of the draw, a quirk of coincidence or indeed a lucky omen but Beith’s first defence of the trophy has them once again going up against the Tin Pail in a second round tie, albeit this time out at Fullarton Park.

That prospect is sure to have the Tollcross club’s supporters fearing another humbling experience particularly as five of the Beith goalscorers … executioner in chief Andy Reid who netted four times at Bellsdale Park has hung up his shooting boots … are in line to figure in today’s starting line-up.

It would be understandable if Vale boss Ian Currie and his players were filled with similar dread, however he was as candid as ever in discussing the Central First Division outfit’s chances of causing a cup shock.

He revealed: “We took a right leathering last time, not helped by going down to nine men, but I fancy the guys can give a much better account of themselves on this occasion.

“We fully recognise Beith are a smashing side with a number of outstanding individuals which maybe explains why our players have trained three nights this past week working on our defensive organisation and shape.

“Hard work doesn’t guarantee we will win on the day but I reckon we are as prepared as we can be for a cup tie of this magnitude and if we put our mind to it then we have it in us to give Johnny Miller’s team a game of it.

“Our players have to look upon today’s game as our very own Scottish Cup Final even though there will be no winners medals if we do come out on top.”

For a man with a well-earned reputation for giving his vocal chords an airing from the dugout area, Currie was comparatively reserved in talking up his playing charges.

He insisted: “Ryan Frances is free from suspension which bolsters our backline no end while goalkeeper Mark Lynch commands his penalty area so I feel we are capable of withstanding pressure.

“But it’s further forward where we can pose problems because Dumbarton loan signing Chrissy Martin is an exciting talent while Kyle Prior in our midfield might be only 16 years on his last birthday but he plays with the composure of someone twice his age.

“Beith are a classy footballing side who will let us play and we have the ability to hurt them in certain areas of the pitch.”

The remaining first time of asking cup contests have a trio of West Region sides going up against crack East Region clubs.

Possibly in with the best chance of causing an upset are Clydebank heading through to Prestonfield to face a misfiring Linlithgow Rose, however only diehard Rossvale fans will be thinking their young side can beat reigning East Region champions Bonnyrigg Rose through in their own backyard.

The Bishopbriggs club’s gaffer Brian McGinty said last night: “We’ve watched Bonnyrigg in action and they are a physically big and powerful team whose strengths are going forward so the key is to defend well.

“I’m under no illusions we face a tough test but at the same time I’m confident my players can pinch a goal or two and if we get our noses in front then who knows what might happen.

“Steven Tart trained this week and his height and defensive nous will be welcome against the Rose particularly as our most experienced player Ross Hepburn is ruled out with a thigh strain.

“He’ll be sorely missed but if every Rossvale player is at the top of their game we’ve no doubt we can compete with Bonnyrigg.”

Closer to home, Dalry Thistle may struggle to contain Bo’ness United while the top pick of the replay affairs is the Dunterlie meeting of Arthurlie and Kilwinning Rangers … locking horns for a third consecutive week.

Experienced Barrhead defender Mark Blakey insisted: “There was little between the teams last week even if we probably missed the better goalscoring opportunities.

“It may well be every bit as tight to call this time but playing in front of our own supporters has everyone in our dressing room looking forward to the rematch and we’ll be looking to book a place in the third round draw.”

A shock for home fans comes from Arthurlie announcing the departures of three players this week inclusive of goalkeeper Paddy Macklin who kept a clean sheet against Kilwinning last weekend but has now moved to the other side of Aberdeen through work commitments.

The pressures of combining work with a football career are also put forward for defender Gavin Rushford walking away from his Barrhead club, while no reason has been given for versatile midfielder David Morrison calling it a day.

TODAY'S FIXTURES

(Kick-offs 2pm unless stated )

Scottish Junior Cup second round (2.30pm): Bonnyrigg Rose v Rossvale, Dalry Thistle v Bo’ness Utd, Vale of Clyde v Beith, Linlithgow Rose v Clydebank.

Replays (2.30pm): Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Darvel, Neilston v Lanark Utd, Arthurlie v Kilwinning Rangers, Stoneyburn v Ashfield, Hermes v Newmains Utd, Thorniewood Utd v Port Glasgow, Haddington Athletic v Shotts Bon Accord.

McBookie.com Super Premier Division: Glenafton v Cumnock, Auchinleck Talbot v Hurlford Utd, Troon v Rob Roy, Largs Thistle v Pollok.

McBookie.com Super First Division: Cumbernauld Utd v Irvine Meadow, Irvine Vics v Girvan, Petershill v Blantyre Vics, Yoker Athletic v Shettleston, Kilsyth Rangers v Rutherglen Glencairn, Maryhill v Renfrew.

McBookie.com Central First Division: St Roch's v Lesmahagow, Wishaw v Cambuslang Rangers, Greenock v Larkhall Thistle, Benburb v Bellshill Athletic, Forth v Johnstone Burgh.

McBookie.com Central Second Division: East Kilbride Thistle v Glasgow Perthshire, Gartcairn v Carluke Rovers, Royal Albert v Vale of Leven, St Anthony's v Dunipace.

McBookie.com Ayrshire District League: Annbank Utd v Ardeer Thistle, Kello Rovers v Lugar Boswell, Maybole v Craigmark, Whitletts Vics v Saltcoats Vics.