KILBIRNIE Ladeside manager Stephen Swift has been at pains to play down his side’s recent 3-0 defeat of Shettleston ahead of the two clubs locking horns in the pick of tomorrow’s Scottish Junior Cup second round contests.

Keiran Brannon, Ian Gold and Stevie Meechan were the marksmen as the Blasties took the Super Premier Division spoils with a convincing victory, however Swifty reckons that Valefield triumph will have no bearing on the cup clash and is warning his players to expect a whole new ball game through in the east End of Glasgow.

And the team boss has pointed to a 2013/14 Cup exit against near neighbours Largs Thistle to back up his claims.

He recalled: “That season we felt confident about being drawn away at Barrfields just after winning 4-0 down there on league duty, but Largs turned the tables on us to come out on top by a 2-1 scoreline.

“We learned the hard way to never take anything for granted in the Scottish Cup and I’ll be making a point of stressing that message to the guys just before we take the field at Greenfield Park.

“Shettleston in their own backyard are a different animal entirely and if proof is needed then one only has to look at the fact they are unbeaten at home all season and can boast a few big name scalps already … most notably the league leaders Rob Roy.

“There’s no need to be fearing going up against them, however they deserve our utmost respect.”

Swifty’s regard for his top-flight rivals has him keen to improve the Ayrshiremen’s cutting edge which could mean a shock recall for fit again hitman Adam Forde whose striking qualities he saluted in saying.

“Fordy is a fabulous up-top player and we’ve been desperate for him to be fit and ready again however a 20 minutes run out in last weekend’s 2-2 friendly match against Carluke Rovers is his only match time in over two months and this cup game might just be coming too soon for him.

“He trained full out along with the other guys and is champing at the bit to play so chances are (barring a bad reaction) he will figure in our thoughts but the key decision is whether he is in our starting line-up or on the bench.

“The wee man’s return is a great boost given that Kevin Turner remains a few weeks away from making his own comeback from injury, however it should be said that Stevie Meechan has been an absolute revelation playing as a makeshift forward.

“He’s not a natural striker by any means but anything dropping for him inside the box is likely to end up in the net.”

One-time Stranraer signing Forde who only turned 20 years of age last Sunday is itching to play a part not least because he wants to put one over on Shettleston’s outstanding flank ace Bob Campbell.

He revealed: “I played in the same Neilston team as Bob when Stranraer put me out on loan to my home town team in the season before last.

“Unfortunately injuries restricted my appearances but I saw enough of his qualities close up to know he’s a potential match-winner for Shettleston unless we keep close tabs on him.

“The same goes for their other forward going types Scott Anson and Ricky McIntosh who looked as if they could pose a threat in our recent 3-0 league win only for coming up against Michael O’Byrne and Mark Staunton playing at the very top of their game and we’ll need more of the same from them tomorrow.

“I was still battling back to fitness and missed that game, but watching from the sidelines only made me more determined to be back in harness in time for the Cup tie.”

The busy forward revealed he did not hesitate to pledge his footballing future to Kilbirnie after his loan deal expired at the end of last season.

He insisted: “The choice between sitting on the bench at Stranraer or playing regularly in the Super Premier Division with Ladeside was always a no-brainer particularly as our fans have been so supportive of me since coming here.

“And there’s not a great deal of difference in playing standards because I fancy the top Junior sides could easily hold their own in the lower Senior leagues.

“Sure there’s a bit of a physical side to the Juniors but truth is you get that at every level of the game and just have to deal with it.

Meanwhile, there is coming and going developments with a couple of West Region lesser lights with Newmains United on the lookout for a new manager after John Fallon resigned on account of pressing family commitments, while Forth Wanderers goalkeeper Andy Finnigan is on the open-to-transfer list at his own request.

SATURDAY'S FIXTURES

(Kick-offs 2pm unless stated)

Scottish Junior Cup second round (2.30pm): St Andrews' Utd v Oakley Utd, Thornton Hibs v Dundee East Craigie, Dundee Violet v Forth Wanderers, Kilwinning Rangers v Ashfield, Stonehaven v Shotts Bon Accord, Forfar West End v Clydebank, Arbroath Vics v Dundonald Bluebell, Shettleston v Kilbirnie Ladeside, Kirkcaldy YM v Royal Albert, Lesmahagow v Hill of Beath, Saltcoats Vics v Easthouses Lily, Beith v Vale of Clyde, Lochee Utd v Maryhill, West Calder Utd v Dunipace, Kelty Hearts v Stoneyburn, Kilsyth Rangers v Culter, Bathgate Thistle v Greenock, Coupar Angus v Lossiemouth Utd, Ellon Utd v St Roch's, Aberdeen University v Dundee North End, Livingston Utd v Largs Thistle, Dunbar Utd v Irvine Meadow, Brechin Vics v Penicuik Athletic, Rob Roy v Wishaw, Fochabers v Kennoway Star Hearts, Renfrew v Maud, Larkhall Thistle v Arniston Rangers, Camelon v Banks O'Dee, Blantyre Vics v Rosyth Juniors, Neilston v Rutherglen Glencairn, Lochore Welfare v Darvel, Musselburgh Athletic v Johnstone Burgh, Buchanhaven Hearts v Arthurlie, Parkvale v Tayport, Fauldhouse Utd v Hurlford Utd, Lewis Utd v Troon, St Anthony's v Forres Thistle, Bonnyrigg Rose v Montrose Roselea, Blackburn Utd v Downfield, Bo'ness Utd v Aberdeen East End, Falkirk Juniors v Longside, Girvan v Cambuslang Rangers, Broxburn Athletic v Whitletts Vics, Pollok v Yoker Athletic, Inverness City v Sauchie, Gartcairns v Hermes, Linlithgow Rose v Annbank Utd, Scone Thistle v Benburb, Colony Park v Carnoustie Panmure, Spey Valley v Cumbernauld Utd, Glenafton v Jeanfield Swifts, Fraserburgh Utd v Kinnoull, Kello Rovers v Cumnock, Grantown v Blairgowrie, Carluke Rovers v Lugar Boswell Thistle, Petershill v Newtongrange Star, Dalkeith Thistle v Kirriemuir Thistle, Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Deveronside, Glasgow Perthshire v Lanark Utd, Cruden Bay v Armadale Thistle, Muirkirk v Craigmark, New Elgin v Glenrothes.

McBookie.com Super First Division: Maybole v Bellshill Athletic.

McBookie.com Central Second Division: Port Glasgow v Vale of Leven, Newmains Utd v East Kilbride Thistle.

McBookie.com Ayrshire District League: Ardeer Thistle v Annbank Utd, Dalry Thistle v Irvine Vics.