IT might have started against Dunbar United on Saturday … Irvine Meadow’s journey back to respectability.

And experienced striker Paul Maxwell could well be remembered for taking one of the first steps after he, Gary McCann and Robert Halliday were the scoresheet names in their side’s 3-0 Scottish Junior Cup second-round victory over Dunbar United.

One can hardly consider the Seasiders as an East Region big gun but victory was nonetheless gleefully received by a Medda playing squad desperately seeking to banish memories of the previous weekend’s 8-0 humbling at the hands of top-flight rivals Troon Juniors.

Maxi admitted: “It was a case of getting back to basics on Saturday in making ourselves horrible to play against and I thought we accomplished that before going on to record a more than comfortable win.

“The past few years has seen Irvine Meadow acquire the reputation of being difficult to break down if we manage to get our noses in front so coming away from Dunbar with a clean sheet has given everyone a real confidence boost.

“Their players simply couldn’t cope with our ultra-competitive approach and aggressive pressing game but the same cannot be said about this week’s opponents Beith.

“We will need to show an even greater solidity given they boast game-changers in Kenny McLean, Andy Reid and Darren Christie who will be extra-fired-up in going all out to avenge a freak 7-2 defeat when we faced each other last month.

“It was one of those games where every shot we hit on target seemed to end up in the net while Beith notched a couple of superb efforts of their own so I fancy this return fixture could be quite a game.”

It’s not stretching things in the slightest to say Medda kicked off this season rated as a leading Super Premier Division title challenger, however a disastrous opening spell of four defeats in six starts inclusive of the Portland Park embarrassment has left them rooted to rank bottom spot in the standings.

Meadow Park gaffer Stevie Rankin is having to deal with an injury crisis in looking to steer his playing charges away from propping up the table.

He revealed: “Hats off to the players for showing against Dunbar that the Troon debacle is firmly in the past.

“An inspired display by the Dunbar goalkeeper Connor Wood was all that prevented us racking up a far more convincing victory and there was a lot to feel happy about under the circumstances.

“The guys were a lot more positive than in recent weeks and I certainly believe having a clear-the-air talk after the 8-0 game helped us no end in yielding up a few home truths which as you might expect will remain in the dressing room.

“That said, you won’t see me shy away from proudly declaring I’m the manager who signed these players as I have the utmost faith in their abilities and character to come good despite our less than satisfactory start to the season.”

Rankin’s selection hand is severely limited for the short hop to Bellsdale Park with Ryan Deas (broken toe), Jordan Murch (ankle), Grant Bolton (back), and Chris Hall (groin) already reckoned to be non-starters in the vital clash.

He added: “I doubt if many Junior playing squads could cope with the sheer amount of injuries we’re experiencing at the present time.

“To say we are down to the bare bones is no exaggeration and our situation could be worse but for Ian Diack coming on board to do us a turn.

“A glimmer of hope came from Archie (Ross McPherson) coming off the bench to play the final 20 minutes against Dunbar and he’ll come into our thoughts for the Beith game as long as there’s no adverse reaction.”

On the comings and goings front, one hears Ardrossan Winton Rovers, Yoker Athletic and a couple of Lowland League outfits have expressed an interest in Pollok’s transfer-listed defender Gary Wild.

SATURDAY'S FIXTURES

(Kick-offs 2pm unless stated)

Scottish Junior Cup second round (2.30pm): Rossvale v Pumpherston, Linlithgow Rose v Annbank Utd, Tranent v Auchinleck Talbot, Cruden Bay v Armadale Thistle, Camelon v Banks O'Dee, Colony Park v Carnoustie Panmure, Grantown v Blairgowrie, Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Deveronside, Kello Rovers v Cumnock, Neilston v Rutherglen Glencairn, Blantyre Vics v Rosyth Juniors, Parkvale v Tayport.

Second round replays: Oakley Utd v St Andrews Utd, Hurlford Utd v Fauldhouse Utd, Dundee East Craigie v Thornton Hibs, Kilbirnie Ladeside v Shettleston, Easthouses Lily v Saltcoats Vics, Greenock v Bathgate Thistle, Lossiemouth Utd v Coupar Angus, Arniston Rangers v Larkhall Thistle, Hermes v Gartcairn, Benburb v Scone Thistle, Newtongrange Star v Petershill.

McBookie.com Super Premier Division: Rob Roy v Troon, Beith v Irvine Meadow, Arthurlie v Glenafton. McBookie.com Super First Division: Shotts Bon Accord v Maybole, Clydebank v Kilwinning Rangers, Bellshill Athletic v Yoker Athletic, Kilsyth Rangers v Cumbernauld Utd.

McBookie.com Central First Division: Lesmahagow v Wishaw, Maryhill v St Anthony's, Thorniewood Utd v St Roch's, Vale of Clyde v Renfrew, Carluke Rovers v Dunipace.

McBookie.com Central Second Division: Port Glasgow v East Kilbride Thistle, Ashfield v Newmains Utd, Cambuslang Rangers v Forth, Glasgow Perthshire v Vale of Leven, Royal Albert v Lanark Utd. McBookie.com Ayrshire District League. Muirkirk v Irvine Vics, Whitletts Vics v Girvan, Lugar Boswell v Craigmark, Dalry Thistle v Darvel.