John McKeown is hoping for Nock-out show in Auchinleck derby dust-up

That’s the considered opinion of defiant Nock boss John McKeown, even though he is first to hold up a hand and admit his side’s showings against their arch-rivals last season – four defeats in four encounters – makes for pretty miserable reading if you are a diehard black and white scarf wearer.

But, ahead of the Ardagh Glass Cup showdown, he said: “We owe it to supporters to prove we are now able to up the ante in games against Talbot."

And the former central defender, whose first game after assuming the Townhead Park reins last October, was to oversee a 6-0 West of Scotland Cup drubbing at the hands of Tommy Sloan’s men, added: "We were not the only team to lose out against them, but the long-standing rivalry between our clubs caused our defeats to be that bit harder felt and took a long time to get over.

“Hopefully those memories are now consigned to the history books, and I’d like to think lessons were learned that can be put to good effect in attempting to prove that Cumnock have closed the gap between the clubs.

“Look, it doesn’t get any tougher than starting a new campaign by going up against Talbot at Beechwood Park – especially when they have been sweeping aside all manner of opponents in their pre-season games – however, I prefer to look upon tomorrow’s head-to-head as an opportunity to lay down a marker of sorts.

“I’m utterly convinced our dressing room now contains much stronger characters and better quality players, so the game cannot come soon enough.”

Cumnock ran out deserved 4-2 winners in a midweek friendly with Cambuslang Rangers that gave McKeown the chance to field new signing Kieron Woods (Ayr United) in a defence marshalled by experienced campaigner Paul Murphy.

The Nock boss said: “Kieron had been on loan to us from Ayr United last season until they recalled him and it was a real surprise when he was then released.

“We then had to head off a number of clubs chasing his signature, but thankfully that particular race was won because he is a terrific prospect who will only get better playing alongside the likes of Paul, whose qualities I know first-hand from partnering him at Stenhousemuir.

“The Cambuslang outing was worthwhile in terms of match practice for certain individuals, and it gave us another game to help with the bonding process after so many comings and goings during the close season. Today brings the big test of our mettle, so let’s see if we can get pass marks.”

The news of ex-Bo’ness and Shotts midfielder Andy Scott continuing to be Cumnock’s only injury doubt is in stark contrast to word coming out of the visiting camp reporting Keir Milliken (groin), Mark Campbell (Achilles), Lee Cochrane (knee) and former Cumnock striker Robert Love (ankle), as definite non-starters.

And centre-back Martin McGoldrick has managed only 15 minutes' game time since breaking an arm in the Evening Times Champions Cup semi-final defeat by Pollok in June.

Talbot boss Sloan said: “Martin did not look out of sorts coming on as a substitute against Bo’ness last week, so he’ll come into contention as will David Gillies and Stevie Wilson, both now back from holiday as well as Willie Boyd, who has been working down in England for the past month or so.

“Fortunately, he has found training facilities with a non-league English side and has been able to come up at weekends to play in our friendlies, so there are no concerns over his fitness.

“Having to do without Milly and Robert is a blow, but we are more than adequately covered with Gillies, Mark Shankland and Stevie Wilson vying for the striking jerseys.

“Cumnock at home is a tasty starter, and I’d have much preferred to have everyone fit. However, the rest of the guys have turned in good pre-season results, so we are looking forward to the game.

“Nobody, least of all me, is going overboard with our performances up till now, but it’s pleasing to see Darren Miller come in as a trialist defender and show up well, while Steven White is looking sharp and back to his tigerish best in midfield.

“And it’s also pleasing to see how young trialists Billy Findlay and the former Maryhill winger Willie Wells have blended in with the other players and they will undoubtedly benefit from being involved in the derby atmosphere.

“It’s a new-look Cumnock and no doubt John will have their players motivated, but I’ll be disappointed if we don’t similarly rise to the occasion.”

Largs hosting Kilbirnie looks to be the pick of the remaining Ardagh Cup encounters, however there will be more than a passing interest shown in the Kello v Lugar clash since the visitors' squad is almost entirely comprised of Ayr United youth signings.