If one accepts there is no good time to be sitting in rank bottom spot in the league table then it follows that propping up the Super First Division pile going into Christmas is a major cause for concern.

Invariably, the team bringing up the rear when Santa goes his rounds - eight weeks to go and counting - is relegated at the end of the season.

So that intriguing backdrop is sure to add several lashings of spice to the clash of promoted pair Maryhill and Renfrew at Lochburn Park tomorrow.

The current state of play shows Renfrew have that most unwanted distinction of being bottom markers.

However, their supporters will take heart from knowing a first victory of the season for the Central First Division champions from last time out could see them move up to the third from bottom spot currently occupied by the Maryhill team they pipped to the title honours.

Even a share of the spoils could see the visitors rise above second bottom Irvine Vics if Stevie Wilson’s men were to lose out a defeat away to Girvan.

But Frew co-boss Colin Clark doesn’t want to be relying on results elsewhere.

He said: "They say the league table never lies, but it’s certainly economical with the truth looking at our overall performances up to now.

“Nobody has given us a real going over with three games lost by the odd goal and even our 4-1 defeat by Petershill was a closer contest than it looks on paper.

“Stepping up into the Super First arena has proved a tough learning curve as we’re now coming up against better sides and better players who punish every moment of slackness and unfortunately we’ve had a few of them.

“And if conceding soft goals was not bad enough, we are also passing up scoring chances at the other end of the pitch and this cocktail mix has cost us dearly.

“That said, Martin Ferry and I believe all that’s needed is the jag of confidence that comes from posting that first win and our hope is we can get it at Lochburn tomorrow.

“We lost 1-0 through there last season in a tousy affair and we’re expecting more of the same tomorrow even if this is practically a new-look Maryhill line-up and with a new team manager to boot.”

Clark admits to Renfrew having sorely missed the physical presence and goals return of experienced front man Alain Kinney (cruciate knee ligament).

However, another forward line blow has been the medial ligament injury picked up by Darren Jones who has not featured since a 2-1 defeat by league leaders Kilsyth Rangers back in early September.

He said: "We knew from last season that Kinney would be a long time out but it only makes his absence sorer felt when Darren is also ruled out of action.

“Scott Morton and Chris Zok are grafters who have given their all in games, but Darren has qualities which give us something extra in the final third and while delighted he’s not far away on his battle back to fitness, I know he is scheduled to be away for a month or so around Christmas time.”

Renfrew have other selection woes ahead of tomorrow’s encounter with full-back Fraser Barbour rated extremely doubtful and Keiran Healy a definite non-starter after suffering a burst eardrum injury during last weekend’s thrilling 6-4 Scottish Junior Cup triumph over Bathgate Thistle .

Clarky added: "Young Keiran has been outstanding since stepping up from Johnstone Burgh Under 21’s at the start of this season and I feared for him when he was involved in a horrific head clash with a big Bathgate striker.

“It’s bad enough the lad is in a lot of pain and has to sit out a couple of games as a precaution but part of me is relieved he never had a fractured cheekbone or worse.

“His loss and that of Fraser opens the door for Ross Gallagher who has recently signed after playing for the Scottish Amateur Select.”

Recently-installed Maryhill gaffer John Hughes looks set to unveil a newcomer of his own in central midfielder David Mathews who put pen to paper after figuring in a midweek friendly affair where goals from Colin Preston, Justin Begg and Kieran Fury could not prevent Maryhill succumbing to a 4-3 defeat by East Kilbride Amateurs .

Hughes said: "It was a really worthwhile exercise where we used fully 19 players and many of the guys have given us food for thought with their displays.

“The 90 minutes and the cup games of the last two weeks have been invaluable in allowing me time to try and piece together what my best team would be if everyone is fit.

"However, we picked up some knocks against E.K. which will delay my naming a team until closer to kick off time against Renfrew.

“What I have learned is the players don’t lack for character and battling spirit …attributes which will be vital if we are to start climbing away from the Super First basement which remains our number one aim this season.

“People in and around the club are cock-a-hoop because this is the first time in years that Maryhill are still involved in the two main Cup competitions going into November but that’s merely a bonus as far as I’m concerned.

“It’s more important we lay down foundations to build for the future by staying in the Super First Division.”

In other contests, leading lights Kilsyth Rangers are tipped to make home advantage tell against Rutherglen Glencairn while Shettleston will look to preserve their unbeaten record away to Yoker .

Promotion hopefuls Petershill are strongly fancied to pick up three points when an improving Blantyre Vics come through to Springburn and the George Shaw steered Cumbernauld United will be looking to move third top of the standings at the expense of Guys Meadow visitors Irvine Meadow.

PLAYING TOMORROW (Kick Offs 2pm unless stated): Scottish Junior Cup.Second Round (2.30PM): Bonnyrigg Rose v Rossvale, Dalry Thistle v Bo’ness Utd, Vale of Clyde v Beith, Linlithgow Rose v Clydebank.Replays (2.30PM):Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Darvel, Neilston v Lanark Utd, Arthurlie v Kilwinning Rangers, Stoneyburn v Ashfield, Hermes v Newmains Utd, Thorniewood Utd v Port Glasgow, Haddington Athletic v Shotts Bon Accord McBookie.com Super Premier Division.

Glenafton v Cumnock, Auchinleck Talbot v Hurlford Utd, Troon v Rob Roy, Largs Thistle v Pollok.

McBookie.com Super First Division.

Cumbernauld Utd v Irvine Meadow, Irvine Vics v Girvan, Petershill v Blantyre Vics, Yoker Athletic v Shettleston, Kilsyth Rangers v Rutherglen Glencairn , Maryhill v Renfrew.

McBookie.com Central First Division

St Roch's v Lesmahagow,Wishaw v Cambuslang Rangers, Greenock v Larkhall Thistle, Benburb v Bellshill Athletic, Forth v Johnstone Burgh.

McBookie.com Central Second Division.

East Kilbride Thistle v Glasgow Perthshire, Gartvcairn v Carluke Rovers,Royal Albert v Vale of Leven, St Anthony's v Dunipace.

McBookie.com Ayrshire District League. Annbank Utd v Ardeer Thistle ,Kello Rovers v Lugar Boswell , Maybole v Craigmark,Whitletts Vics v Saltcoats Vics.