Waiting ten years for a second chance has made Joe Andrew all the more determined to grab his with both hands today when he lines up for Glenafton in their Scottish Junior Cup semi-final clash with Bonnyrigg Rose.

And added motivation surely comes from the 31-year-old having memories to banish of his only previous appearance on the last four stage in 2007.

He was in the Gary Faulds-steered Arthurlie side that suffered a 4-1 Love Street mauling at the hands of eventual trophy winners Linlithgow Rose.

Not a lot is different about Joe these days as he still retains the ability to find space, sublime close control and a first touch that can make him unplayable on his day.

And if this version is the one on show at Loch Park - fitness permitting - then Bonnyrigg’s defenders can expect to be put through an exacting 90 minutes.

Nowadays, he totes a mixed bag of footballing experiences around with him dating back to when he was a promising Dundee United starlet from 2002-05 prior to dropping into the Juniors after then Maryhill manager Ronnie Lowrie persuaded him to sign on at Lochburn Park and form a deadly striking partnership alongside Bryan Dingwall.

His impressive displays earned a move to Arthurlie where Joe teamed up with the likes of Martin Hughes, Roland Fabiani, Ross Ballantyne and John Johnston in a swashbuckling Barrhead side whose dreams of Scottish Junior Cup glory were put to the sword by a Brian Carrigan-inspired Linlithgow.

Further playing stints with Alloa, Arthurlie (again), Clydebank and Rutherglen Glencairn ensued before he put pen to paper for the Ayrshire version of the Glens in 2015 as one of the astute early signings made by manager Craig McEwan.

Last night Joe said: "Playing a high tempo passing game this season has brought us a lot of success and if that Glenafton turn up tomorrow then we have a chance against this very strong Bonnyrigg side.

“No doubt they will come through here feeling supremely confident after dishing out a 5-0 pasting in a pre-season friendly tournament match, but I played that day and don’t believe any comparisons can be made.

“It was a triangular competition and we participated with half our playing squad still on holiday leaving only11 available players inclusive of gaffer Southy to play back to back one hour long games and not surprisingly we ran out of steam in the decider against a rested up Bonnyrigg.

“You can take it for granted they will find us a different proposition tomorrow afternoon.”

News that the Cambuslang based ace is an injury doubt going into today’s first leg affair will worry supporters of a New Cumnock persuasion who are already fretting over the availability of Chris Dallas and Craig Menzies after both key players were forced into coming off early in last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Beith.

Joe added: "I received treatment for a tight hamstring and groin instead of training on Thursday night so I’m keeping fingers crossed the extra rest will do the trick to have me ready for kick off time.

“Hopefully Craig and Chris will also pass muster as they have been massive players for the team as has our playmaker David Gray and of course Ally Park who has unbelievable energy and never seems to stop running in games.

“But it’s team spirit rather than individuals that is the secret of our cup and league challenges this season and that great togetherness in our dressing room can make us a match for anyone.”

Team boss, McEwan whose stewardship of Glenafton in their biggest game of the season to date is restricted by a six-match touchline ban imposed by West Region officials in midweek, is urging his players to make light of their underdogs tag.

He said: "I travelled through to see Bonnyrigg win 3-1 against Dundee Downfield on Monday night and they are a top side but my Glenafton players don’t deserve to be written off at home to any team.

“I would feel more confident knowing he injured guys will come through fitness tests - and Daniel Orsi has been added to the list - but right now I would hazard a guess that not all of them will make the game which is also coming a week too soon for Mick McCann as he continues on the comeback trail after a month long injury absence.

“My own situation is a hindrance, however my absence from the dugout will not cause Glenafton to win or lose our next two games…it’s all about players doing it on the day and I’m backing my bunch to do me proud.

”I’ve said all along that this semi-final will not be settled until the second leg and we will set out our stall accordingly.”

PLAYING TODAY (Kick-offs 2pm unless stated): Scottish Junior Cup semi-final, first legs (2.30pm).Glenafton v Bonnyrigg Rose, Linlithgow Rose v Auchinleck Talbot.

McBookie.com Super Premier Division.

Beith v Largs Thistle, Kilwinning Rangers v Cumnock, Hurlford Utd v Pollok, Rob Roy v Arthurlie.

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Petershill v Rutherglen Glencairn, Kilsyth Rangers v Renfrew, Irvine Meadow v Girvan, Blantyre Vics v Irvine Vics, Maryhill v Shettleston, Shotts Bon Accord v Yoker Athletic, Clydebank v Cumbernauld Utd.

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Newmains Utd v Ashfield, Dunipace v Gartcairn, East Kilbride Thistle v Vale of Leven, Royal Albert v Lanark Utd.

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