PETERSHILL assistant manager Paul Kelly reckons his Springburn playing charges face the “litmus test” of their abilities today when they head down into the Ayrshire heartlands to go head-to-head with Auchinleck Talbot.

Belief in the visiting camp is high on the back of an unbeaten run stretching back fully eight games, but Kelly’s vast Junior experience … he was reinstated from East Stirling around 1990 by then Pollok boss Dickie Brock and went on to play for Cambuslang Rangers and St Roch's prior to managing the Candy Rock to the Central Second Division title in 1995 … has left him under no illusions as to the difficulty of the task against the reigning Super Premier Division champions.

He might have only returned to the Juniors for little over a year but 51-year-old Kelly has already sussed that Talbot are the gauge for every other club at this level of the game.

Speaking last night he insisted: “Auchinleck have been top of the tree for so long and it’s only natural for clubs to use games against them as a guide to their own state of health and Petershill are no different in that respect.

“In saying that, Willie Patterson and I certainly feel ours is a far stronger playing squad this season and we will head for Beechwood in a positive frame of mind and looking to make amends for shooting ourselves in the foot after only managing to draw our opening couple of league games.

“Last week’s 1-1 outcome against Glenafton particularly rankles as we missed scoring chances galore in the first half which could and should have comfortably closed the game out and were then made to pay the ultimate price when they equalised.

“To find ourselves with just two points to our name is a bit of a disappointing situation and nowhere near as good as it should be based on our performances to now.”

Close season midfield signing Darren McLean is only available for selection because his suspension for being red carded (dissent) in Monday night’s 4-0 friendly win over Blantyre Vics does not kick in until early next week, however Kelly maintains the run-out was an invaluable exercise.

He revealed: “Stephen McGladrigan who has reacted to our new signings coming on board by playing as if he’s had a new lease of life has unfortunately picked up a knee ligament injury and is facing a spell on the sidelines.

“Indeed we are sending Glad for a precautionary scan early this week to learn the full extent of his problem as he is already a concern for the Euroscot Eng League Cup Final fully five weeks away.

“He’s a definite non-starter against Auchinleck so the friendly was ideal for getting Scott Davidson a full 90 minutes game time and he’ll certainly be the better for it.

“Martin Shields, our central midfield signing from East Stirling and a potential replacement when Darren’s ban kicks in also managed some much needed match practice as did young defensive prospect Chris Ketterer who was captain of Campsie Black Watch last season .

“Willie and I have high hopes for him as he’s strong in the air and quick off his mark. But right now he’s having to bide his time for a regular place due to the strong competition for the central defensive jerseys from Jordan Chisholm, Jamie Brough and Jordan Kennedy.

“Their greater experience will be needed down at Beechwood as it’s a very intimidating venue where you simply must defend well to stand any chance of getting a result.”

Kelly added rather pointedly: “Asking our players to stay mentally tough and impose our own game will be a tough ask given Auchinleck are so well drilled in their high pressing style and will always go with their own playing system regardless of how visiting teams line up.

“They try to put opponents and indeed the referee under pressure from first whistle to last and we need strong officials to take charge of proceedings and show they are up to the job of making big decisions.

Kelly admits to be relishing the aerial head-to-head between his Peasy striker Michael Daly and Talbot’s ball-winning stopper Mark Campbell.

He admitted: “Michael has kicked on from his loan spell last season and is making a far more significant contribution to our overall play this season.

“His ability to win head flicks has caused mayhem in defences but you can bet he won’t get it all his own way against Sparky who absolutely delights in aerial jousts and is a very competitive type.”

There’s an abundance of top flight encounters for Junior followers with current league leaders Arthurlie travelling down to face third top Kilbirnie Ladeside in what has the makings of a cracking contest while second-placed Hurlford United are themselves facing a testing time of it away to Glenafton.

TODAY'S FIXTURES

(Kick-offs 2pm)

West Region Super Premier Division: Kilbirnie Ladeside v Arthurlie, Glenafton v Hurlford Utd, Beith v Troon, Shettleston v Rob Roy, Irvine Meadow v Pollok, Auchinleck Talbot v Petershill.

West Region Super First Division: Clydebank v Bellshill Athletic, Cumbernauld Utd v Rutherglen Glencairn, Greenock v Maybole, Largs Thistle v Kilwinning Rangers, Winton Rovers v Cumnock, Kilsyth Rangers v Shotts Bon Accord, Blantyre Vics v Yoker.

West Region Central First Division: Vale of Clyde v Larkhall Thistle, Neilston v St Anthony's, Renfrew v Maryhill, Lesmahagow v Johnstone Burgh, Rossvale v Wishaw, St Roch's v Carluke Rovers, Thorniewood Utd v Dunipace.

West Region Central Second Division: Ashfield v Gartcairn, Royal Albert v Forth, Port Glasgow v Cambuslang Rangers, Lanark Utd v Benburb, Vale of Leven v East Kilbride Thistle, Glasgow Perthshire v Newmains Utd.

West Region Ayrshire District Division: Craigmark v Saltcoats Vics, Muirkirk v Dalry Thistle, Lugar Boswell v Whitletts Vics, Darvel v Irvine Vics, Ardeer Thistle v Kello Rovers.