VALE OF CLYDE boss Ian Currie has every reason to believe the football fates are conspiring against him.

First he had to overcome the loss of seven players during the summer.

Then veteran midfielder Andy McLay suffered a serious hamstring tear during a pre-season friendly match against Shettleston that continues to sideline him to this day.

So it speaks volumes about Currie’s resolve and managerial qualities that he picked himself up from the floor to remarkably steer a rebuilt Tin Pail side into the Euroscot Eng Sectional League Cup Final.

And he has every reason to be proud as he looks ahead to the clash with Petershill this coming Sunday in a Somervell Park staged showpiece clash.

However, the stuffing was all but knocked out of him last Saturday afternoon when striker Gavin Ross suffered a horrific double leg-break down at Pebble Park during the New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup first round tie with Annbank United.

A catalogue of spurned chances in tandem with defensive errors had contributed to the Ayrshiremen reappearing for the second half with a 3-0 lead.

But two goals inside the opening two minutes of the restart by Hayden Cochrane and Billy Stevenson had visiting supporters roaring their approval.

And just short of the hour mark an exquisite Cochrane through ball released tall frontman Ross through on goal.

But he was then sent crashing by the goalkeeper’s outstretched leg as he rounded him to bring a penalty kick award that was ultimately never taken.

The 26-year-old striker's obvious distress from his injuries affected players from both sides and there were no complaints when a 50-minute delay awaiting an ambulance to arrive on the scene compelled whistler Colin McAlpine to abandon the match.

Currie said: "Gavin had been released by myself last month following a verbal spat, but we brought him back into the fold after he telephoned asking for another chance.

"And Saturday was his first starting appearance since coming back.

“It’s tragic for this injury to happen as he played a vital part in helping Vale of Clyde get to the cup final.

"It just doesn’t seem right that he won’t be appearing, but I’m hopeful the guys will now be extra fired up to win the trophy for him.

“He underwent a three-hour operation on Sunday morning that necessitated plates and pins being inserted just above his ankle and the likelihood is he won’t play again this season, but that won’t matter as long as he makes a full recovery.

“He’s a smashing type who carries out a lot of voluntary work with the under-privileged away from football and it goes without saying that everyone at Fullarton Park is united in wishing him all the best.”

Tollcross gaffer Currie admitted he is down to the bare bones ahead of his side locking horns with the Peasy.

He added: “Gavin’s absence leaves me with only 14 players at my beck and call, so I’m going to be spending a lot of time on the telephone seeking to bring in a few more bodies .

"I’ve already made overtures to a couple of well-known Senior names and I even tried to bring back our former midfielder Beau Longridge after hearing a failure to agree signing terms had caused him to walk away from Irvine Meadow where he’s been working out for a number of weeks .

“But word on the street reckons he could now be on his way to Pollok and I’d imagine his former Vale team mate Derek Hepburn has not been slow to mark Tony McInally’s card about Beau’s abilities.”

A move to Newlandsfiled for former Brechin City starlet Longridge could herald the departure of versatile Lok defender Gary Wild, who is on the transfer list after failing to convince Macca to award him a centre-back shirt ahead of Chris Walker, Paul Gallagher and Ross McCabe .

Meanwhile, it would be understandable if West Region bosses are feeling cock-a-hoop today after talks were concluded to land a new league sponsor in the shape of online bookmakers McBookie.com whose involvement in the Junior game already encompasses the North and East Regions.

McBookie spokesman Paul Petrie stated: "We as a company are delighted to become the official sponsor of the West Region and to further cement our backing for the whole of Junior football.

West Secretary Scott Robertson said: "Unearthing sponsorship in these difficult financial times is far from easy.

"So we’re delighted to welcome aboard the reputable McBookie.com brand and hopefully this can be the beginning of a long and prosperous relationship for both parties.”

SATURDAY’S FIXTURES

(Kick-offs 2pm)

McBookie.com Super Premier Division: Glenafton v Pollok, Shettleston v Beith, Hurlford Utd v Rob Roy, Troon v Irvine Meadow, Arthurlie v Auchinleck Talbot.

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

McBookie.com Central First Division: Larkhall Thistle v Lesmahagow, St Anthony’s v Thorniewood Utd, Renfrew v Neilston, Dunipace v Rossvale, Wishaw v Johnstone Burgh, St Roch’s v Maryhill.

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

McBookie.com Ayrshire District League: Irvine Vics v Whitletts Vics, Annbank Utd v Saltcoats Vics, Craigmark v Darvel, Ardeer Thistle v Dalry Thistle, Kello Rovers v Lugar Boswell, Girvan v Muirkirk.

SUNDAY

(Kick-off 2.15pm)

Euroscot Eng Sectional League Cup Final: Petershill v Vale of Clyde (Somervell Park).