ON the evidence of their respective results this season, Kilwinning Rangers could be in for a testing Scottish Junior Cup contest against Shettleston today.

The Buffs, beaten semi-finalists last time out, have lost consecutive league matches against Auchinleck Talbot and Troon in their two outings since getting the better of Arthurlie in a second round replay joust and are coming up against an in-form Town who tasted defeat over 90 minutes for the first time this season in last weekend’s Super First Division clash with Blantyre Vics.

The disappointment felt by co-gaffers Ryan McStay and Peter Weatherson over the manner of that shock reverse will not be allowed to detract from the progress made by their rebuilt side and they are confident their playing charges can get back on the rails in what might be perceived as a daunting trip down to Abbey Park.

Seasoned midfielder McStay, probably best known for spells with Dumbarton, Albion Rovers and Annan Athletic insisted: “Saturday was a particularly frustrating day at the office when you consider we dominated the opening 70 minutes and probably should have put the game to bed to put ourselves three points clear at the top of the table.

“But chances were passed up and mistakes were then made defensively which culminated in Blantyre netting an injury-time goal and both Peter and I were bitterly disappointed for our run to end this way.

“We did not spare the players in letting them know our feelings and the Vics game, only our second major blip since taking over at Greenfield Park has been consigned to the bin now and won’t be mentioned again.”

He added: “The focus now is to bounce back against Kilwinning which is going to be no easy matter given they are a Super Premier side and recently strengthened their squad by signing the Pollok pair of Carlo Monti and Findlay Frye.

“What we have going in our favour is the return of four players we rested on Saturday and we also have Jordan Morton closer to full fitness after getting 60 minutes under his belt against Blantyre.

“He’s not had the best of luck with injuries but has the ability to be one of the most exciting wide players in the Junior game and he’s a potential match-winner just as Monti is for Kilwinning.

“This was always going to be a tough draw for us, however you cannot expect to win any cup without beating the best teams so bring it on.”

Kilwinning gaffer Chris Strain admitted to being apprehensive about how the third round tie will pan out even though bookmakers rate his Ayrshire side as strong favourites to make it through as one of the last 32 standing.

And his caution is all the more understandable in the wake of an injury blow that sees former Stranraer ace Sam McLoskey ruled out of his selection thoughts through a freak accident in last weekend’s defeat by Troon.

Chris said: “An innocuous push put Sam on the track at Portland Park where he stepped on a stone and turned his foot in such a way that a bone has been cracked on his foot that will sideline him for the next month or so.

“And the same game almost cost us Bryan Boylan whose clicking the heels of Colin Spence was adjudged to be violent conduct and earned him a red card that would have ruled him out but for Bryan appealing the decision.

“It might cost us his services going forward but he is adamant in wanting to fight his case as there was no malice in his challenge whatsoever.

“We are also able to recall Isaac Kerr after he recovered from a calf strain and his height and strength might be key in dealing with the physical threat posed by Weatherson whom Shettleston try to find just about every time they play the ball forward.

“He has terrific lead-the-line qualities and an eye for a goal so it’s vital that we keep him as far away from our penalty box as possible.

“I could go on about their other however we will try to focus on what Kilwinning bring to the table and see where it gets us.”

Strain revealed himself happy with his players despite recent outcomes going against them.

He added: “We have served up top-notch displays against both Auchinleck and Troon only to come away with zero points and we are a better team than results indicate.

“That said goals have been hard to come by and we have found out the hard way that unless we stick away our chances then the game is never out of reach for our opponents regardless of how well we play.

“One very pleasing aspect has been the form and spirit shown by Monti who has a bit of a spark about him even though I believe we have still to see the best of him.”

In other third round affairs, reigning holders Beith are tipped to account for North Region minnows Islavale with goals to spare while Central Second Division leading lights Glasgow Perthshire are hoping to give Rob Roy a run for their money when the Super Premier Division tabletoppers visit Keppoch Park.

Maryhill are fancied to make home advantage tell against Forth Wanderers but having to forfeit their traditional Springburn surroundings because of pitch renovation works adds to the difficulty facing Petershill when taking on East Region big guns Carnoustie Panmure at McKenna Park.

Further afield, Benburb will need to be at their best to survive down at Maybole but arguably the toughest task awaits Ashfield away to a Kelty Hearts side reckoned to be the East Region’s best hopes of ending a six year wait for Cup glory.

TODAY'S FIXTURES

(Kick-offs 1.45pm)

Scottish Junior Cup third round: East Kilbride Thistle v Culter, Kirrie Thistle v Hill of Beath, Kilsyth Rangers v Lochgelly Albert, Penicuik Athletic v Scone Thistle, Haddington Athletic v Neilston, Blackburn Utd v Girvan, Thorniewood Utd v Bonnyrigg Rose, Stonehaven v Greenock, Luncarty v Rosyth Juniors, Dundee Violet v Glenafton, Dundee North End v Linlithgow Rose, Glasgow Perthshire v Rob Roy, Petershill v Carnoustie Panmure, Banks o’ Dee v Sauchie, Renfrew v Arniston Rangers, Dufftown v Dunbar Utd, Gartcairn v Whitburn, Lochee Utd v Musselburgh Athletic, Maybole v Benburb, Maryhill v Forth, Blantyre Vics v Bo’ness United, Darvel v Irvine Meadow, Irvine Vics v Carluke Rovers, Larkhall Thistle v Fauldhouse Utd, Kilwinning Rangers v Shettleston, Beith v Islavale, Downfield v Broughty Athletic, Kelty Hearts v Ashfield, Pollok v Auchinleck Talbot, Edinburgh Utd v Maud, Jeanfield Swifts v Hermes, Cumbernauld Utd v Tranent.

New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup first round: Dunipace v Lanark Utd.

McBookie.com Super Premier Division: Largs Thistle v Troon, Arthurlie v Hurlford Utd, Kilbirnie Ladeside v Cumnock.

McBookie.com Super First Division: Shotts Bon Accord v Clydebank, Yoker Athletic v Rutherglen Glencairn.

McBookie.com Central First Division: Lesmahagow v Bellshill Athletic, Vale of Clyde v Cambuslang Rangers, Wishaw v Rossvale, St Roch's v Johnstone Burgh.

McBookie.com Central Second Division: Port Glasgow v St Anthony's, Newmains Utd v Vale of Leven. McBookie.com Ayrshire District League: Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Lugar Boswell, Annbank Utd v Kello Rovers, Ardeer Thistle v Saltcoats Vics, Dalry Thistle v Whitletts Vics, Craigmark v Muirkirk.