STEVIE AITCHISON has told once-adoring Pollok fans that landing in their bad books is a small price to pay for an Arthurlie derby win in Saturday’s opening Euroscot Sectional League Cup opener.

The former Lok star returns to Newlandsfield for the first time since assuming the role of Barrhead assistant boss under close friend Robert Downs, and he expects them both to come in for pelters from the terraces – regardless of the outcome.

But 38-year-old Aitchy isn’t fazed by the prospect in the slightest, and insisted: “Robert and I fully expect to be targeted for plenty of good-natured banter, but realise there is every likelihood of things possibly turning a bit more sour if Arthurlie are doing well out on the pitch.

“We are not worried as it is part and parcel of the game and a long-held prerogative of supporters if they feel compelled to vent their feelings in our direction.

“But we’d much prefer that to happen rather than be mocked mercilessly because Pollok are winning.”

Aitchy’s determination to be on the winning side is further fuelled by his close links to the silverware prize up for grabs in Saturday’s head-to-head.

He said: "The teams will be playing for the Joseph S Marshall Trophy in memory of my father-in-law, an avid Pollok fan for many years who delighted in being part of the “Brolly Brigade” – always found behind the top goalmouth at home games.

“He sadly passed away with cancer earlier this year and his family and close friends thought it appropriate to donate a trophy in his memory that Pollok and Arthurlie can play for in their Euroscot Sectional League Cup clash every season.

“Only problem is the game is causing a real family split with just as many people wanting me to end up on the losing side as the winning one.”

Pollok gaffer Tony McInally will fine-tune his players for the derby showdown with a midweek friendly against Shotts Bon Accord, however Aitchy reckons the visitors are in fine fettle following last weekend’s 4-1 victory over Arniston Rangers.

He added: "We have made solid progress to win four out of five friendly matches and the guys played well in passages against Arniston, although there were facets of our game that could have been a lot better.

“It was pleasing to see Chris Dallas put in a good shift, although Gary Carroll has only returned from holiday and needs to do some sharpening work at training if he wants to be considered for selection.

“Going up against Pollok in our opening game is not ideal and we must try to make the most of having four ex-Pollok players in Ryan McGregor, Ryan McCardle, Scott Gair and Zander Cowie, desperate to do well against their former team.”

The other Section Five contest has Neilston hosting St Anthony's in a contest given added intrigue by Brig O’Lea close-season signing Mark McCuish lining up against his former team-mates only a matter of months after shipping out of McKenna Park.

It’s not a first parting of the ways as the 34-year-old midfielder has departed the Govan club on three previous occasions – to Rob Roy, Bellshill Athletic and Renfrew – but has always returned to the Ants fold, however he is vowing to make the most of his latest exit.

He said: “The prospect of playing against the Ants is not a concern as I’ll be giving my all to help Neilston come out on top.

“I’ve never managed to stay away for long previously, so one or two of the guys were kidding about me being back in the dressing room in time for Christmas, but the key difference this time is I didn’t leave the club of my own accord.

“Yes, it’s true to say my old Ants team-mate James Lennox convinced me to move, but it was also made clear that I was surplus to requirements, so my aim from here is to prove a point to certain people starting with this week’s game.”

In games last night, Lesmahagow retained the Clydesdale Cup with a 6-5 penalty kick shoot-out win over Lanark United following a 1-1 regulation time draw.

And deadly hitman Andy Reid netted a hat-trick as Beith ran out 3-0 winners in their friendly clash with St Anthony's at McKenna Park.