Petershill’s players won’t be taking their eye off the ball today despite the prospect of the ETHX Energy Scottish Cup fourth-round draw looming ahead in midweek

That was the strong message from team boss Willie Patterson as the Peasy join an anything but unlucky 13 strong contingent of West Region clubs whose names will definitely go into the hat when the Evening Times hosts the draw this Wednesday.

Springburn followers are yet again dreaming of Holy Grail glory - last experienced 60 years ago –on the back of the current crop of Peasy players reserving arguably their best displays this season for Scottish Junior Cup wins against East Region big guns Newtongrange Star and Musselburgh Athletic.

Club historians take great pleasure in pointing out that memorable 1956 season was all the more notable for renowned skipper Bobby McFarlane also getting his hands on the League Championship trophy.

However, there is little prospect of a Scottish Cup and League double for the present day team considering Petershill are currently languishing in second bottom spot in the standings with just six points from seven starts .

His side’s lowly predicament undoubtedly rankles with Patterson and explains why he is urging his playing charges to show their “cup face “when fourth-top Troon visit New Petershill Park for a Super Premier Division contest this afternoon.

“Putting points on the board to get us further up the table should be the only thing on our minds so the Scottish has to go on the back burner, said the Peasy gaffer.

“We’ve had Troon watched and fully expect them to be difficult opponents. However, it doesn’t get any easier with games against Hurlford United and Arthurlie next up, but nevertheless I’m setting my sights on getting three wins to set us up nicely for an enjoyable Christmas.

“Yes, it’s an extremely tough ask in this very competitive Division, but the players have excelled on cup days and more of the same could do the trick.”

Patterson revealed how his preparations for today’s encounter have been rocked with injury concerns.

He said: "We’ve had seven players on the treatment table all week and it’s looking like most of them have no chance of figuring in our line-up.

“It’s a bit of a blow going into a game of this importance, but it’s comforting in some respects to know we could yet be in a position to field the same team that finished the Musselburgh game.

”A strong bench is unlikely unless we can bring in one or two trialists.”

Troon have injury woes of their own with inspirational skipper Dean Keenan struggling with the injury that forced him to leave the field in the recent ETHX Energy Cup triumph over Bo’ness United.

And his absence could open the door for ex-Peasy striker Sean McKenna to feature against his former team.

Another top flight encounter taking place within the city boundaries has a fired up Shettleston seeking to build upon last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Pollok when hosting the visit of last season’s title runners-up Hurlford United .

Midfield playmaker Brian McEwan, back in favour and off the open to transfer list, was a surprise starter at Newlandsfield and he is set to retain his jersey with gaffer Hugh Kelly unlikely to deviate from his winning line up .

McEwan admitted: "I tired badly against Pollok which was only to be expected in playing my first game in months, but I’m feeling stronger for a couple of stiff training sessions this week so hopefully I can get the nod again.

“Giving it my all and then being substituted might be the way of things until my match fitness is up to speed but that doesn’t bother me in the slightest if it means we’re winning games.

“Beating Pollok in the manner we did as well and at the same time stopping the rot with our first win in eight games has given our dressing room a huge lift and the Hurlford game can’t come soon enough.”

Commanding centreback Chris Robertson is a definite non-starter for the Ayrshiremen who will not lack for motivation themselves in seeking to avoid a third consecutive league defeat following reverses against Rob Roy and Auchinleck Talbot.

United boss Darren Henderson is blessed with decent defensive options as he also is in an attacking sense with former Ayr United signing Ryan Donnelly competing with Stewart Kean and Ross Robertson for the striking jerseys.