TEAM boss Stewart Maxwell has pinpointed striker Chris Hall as the main danger to his Rob Roy side as they hone preparations for hosting the visit of Irvine Meadow on Saturday.

The Rabs were idle over the September weekend holiday but that gaveMaxi an opportunity to run the rule over Medda in their sensational 7-2 hammering of Beith.

And he admits to coming away both impressed and in considerable awe of the Ayrshiremen’s finishing prowess.

Stevie Rankin’s men came roaring out of the blocks and netted four times inside the opening 11 minutes to set themselves on the way to a stunning victory.

And Maxi reckoned every goal of the nine scored - including Beith’s brace of consolations from Richie Burke and Andy Reid - appeared to be better than the last one.

He said: “Meadow were nothing short of excellent all over the pitch, however it was their play in the final third that really caught the eye.

“Gary McCann was motoring past people as if they weren’t there and both attacking midfielders Ryan Deas and Shaun Fraser were getting on the end of things inside the area.

"But head and shoulders above everyone else was Chrissy who led the line quite superbly.

“It was nothing short of a travesty that he never got on the scoresheet, however he had no shortage of assists to his name.

"And I felt Beith’s defence never got to grips with his ability to find space and instigate attacks by taking the ball to feet.

“He has good upper body strength, making him difficult to get off the ball and my defenders will find it not at all easy to deal with him and Meadow’s other forward going players on that kind of form.

“I cannot comprehend how they had only scored one league goal before Saturday because their players looked capable of finding the net every time they ventured upfield.

"Though it should be said that Johnny Millar would have been most unhappy with some of the Beith backline’s positioning at times.

”Watching Medda serve up that display was hugely beneficial as I now have clear ideas about them as individuals and as a team.

"However, I believe they will be even tougher to beat given the massive lift in confidence derived from Saturday’s win.”

Maxi revealed himself not in the least bit surprised that Stevie Rankin’s men posting their first league win of the season means every Super Premier Division side has won and lost games during the current league campaign.

He added: “Surprise results may become commonplace as I feel the gap is undoubtedly closing on the strongly fancied pair of Auchinleck Talbot and Hurlford United.

"Just a couple of weeks ago my players delivered a top notch performance to get the better of Talbot – reigning champions for the past three years - but the very fact we did it has instilled a great belief among the guys.

“I keep their feet on the ground by pointing out our reward is only the same three points on offer for beating any team but just knowing they possess the energy, desire and commitment needed to beat the best has everyone on the crest of a wave.

“The most important thing now is to show we can perform to those same levels again and again -hopefully starting with Irvine Meadow this week.”

Looking forward to the contest more than most in the Kirkintilloch camp is hitman Willie Sawyers who was on Irvine Meadow’s books last season until an eve of transfer deadline move in March saw him return to the Rabs .

He said: “Irvine Meadow showed their true selves against Beith and it was no shock to me as I know the quality of players at the club only too well.

"I still keep in touch with the likes of Deasy (Ryan Deas) and Roberto (Robert Halliday), who have always believed the corner would be turned.

“However, this is my first time going up against former team mates and I’ll be doing my very best to burst their bubble at Guys Meadow, but for no other reason than wanting the points to keep Rob Roy in the top half of the table.

“My time at Meadow Park was not as successful as I’d have liked it to be, but I bear no grudges and you won’t hear me saying a bad word about the place or Stevie and Murdy who were terrific to play under.

“It will be good to see some familiar faces again but I’d much prefer it if they aren’t smiling at the final whistle.”

The one-time Harmony Row protégé concurred with his manager’s view of Medda’s attacking strengths.

He declared: “Chrissy Hall, Paul Maxwell and Gary McCann are outstanding Juniors, but hopefully they will find lean pickings against our backline which has been rock solid since the introduction of Danny Boyle at centre-back.

“We go on to a park now knowing if we score then there’s every chance of us winning the game and that’s not always been the case.”

SATURDAY’S FIXTURES

(Kick-offs 2pm unless stated)

Scottish Junior Cup. First Round Replays (2.30pm): West Calder Utd v Ardeer Thistle, Oakley Utd v Nairn St Ninians, Rosyth v Bridge of Don, Kenoway Star Hearts v Vale of Leven, Broxburn Athletic v Maybole, Wishaw v Bellshill Athletic, Benburb v Port Glasgow.

West Region Super Premier Division: Pollok v Petershill, Kilbirnie Ladeside v Shettleston, Rob Roy v Irvine Meadow, Beith v Glenafton.

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

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

West Region Central Second Division: Lanark Utd v Forth, Ashfield v Cambuslang Rangers, Royal Albert v Newmains Utd, Glasgow Perthshire v Gartcairn.

West Region Ayrshire District League: Whitletts Vics v Annbank Utd, Irvine Vics v Craigmark, Dalry Thistle v Kello Rovers, Darvel v Girvan, Saltcoats Vics v Muirkirk.

SUNDAY

(Kick-off 2.15pm)

Ardagh Glass League Cup Final: Hurlford Utd v Troon (Meadow Park).