ONE can readily understand why bookmakers list Glenafton as overwhelming favourites to beat Kilwinning Rangers today given their respective league positions.

Craig McEwan’s revamped Glens side have been consistent to a fault this season and their succumbing to defeat just once in nine starts… a 3-1 reverse at home to Beith…has them consequently sitting second top of the Super Premier standings some 10 points better off than their Loch Park visitors and regarded as one of the leading title challengers.

In stark contrast, the Buffs are stranded near the foot of the table and contemplating a battle for survival over the coming months while somewhat pointedly they have not fared well in their last three league games on the road, losing all of them to the tune of 11 goals conceded and only three scored.

It therefore follows that this afternoon’s clash could be something of a watershed if Kilwinning were to take the spoils and one man not ruling out this unexpected prospect is their ambitious team boss Chris Strain whom you sense has a great belief in his playing charges….despite their underachieving results.

He insisted: “I had always thought we would need a period of adjustment in order to settle into the top division and I take no satisfaction in being proved right in this respect by the manner in which the promoted clubs, Cumnock, Largs Thistle and ourselves have found results hard to come by.

“But I’m not over-concerned at this stage given we have played every team other than Pollok and I can honestly say nobody has outplayed us to any great extent with the exception of the league leaders Rob Roy who beat us 5-1 at their place earlier this month.

“That said, we probably don’t have the points total our overall play deserves and if we can just cut out the silly mistakes then I firmly believe we are capable of holding our own in this Super Premier company.”

Strain's clearly buoyant spirits stems from his side’s 3-1 victory over Beith last weekend which saw a two-goal debut performance from new striker signing Kenny Hogg.

The gaffer said: “Kenny previously played boys football alongside Ben Lewis before accepting a USA scholarship and his travels also took him to Iceland for a playing stint before returning to these shores.

“Ben said he was a decent player so I invited him into training and right away could see he would be a good addition to the squad so we completed the signing formalities in time for him to figure against Beith.

Throwing him in against one of the meanest defences around was not ideal but our hand was forced to an extent by Lewis (suspension) and Carlo Monti (holiday) sitting out the game, however I have to say Kenny’s pace and ability to spin in behind markers gave Beith a torrid time of it and he fully deserved to get his name on the scoresheet.

“Brian Boylan also served up an exceptional display but unfortunately he is now banned for our next four games after failing in an appeal to have his red carding against Troon rescinded so it helps ease the blow that both Lewis and Monti are available again.

“When you consider we also have one of the top penalty-box strikers in Ian Cashmore then it’s easy to see why I’m a lot happier with the firepower at our disposal and feel we can have a real go at teams either home or away.”

Strain reckons opponents Glenafton are another side with great attacking options.

He added: “Southy (Craig McEwan) has some sort of magic touch from a coaching perspective when you think that players who have moved around a number of clubs like Joe Andrew and Mick McCann are looking the real deal turning out for the Glens.

“And he’s also a great organiser and has his team set up to get the best out of Daniel Orsi and Darren McGill who posed a constant threat when we drew 1-1 with them at Abbey Park so it’s vital we keep the back door shut particularly in the early stages.

“In this respect I feel we are more secure now that Finlay Frye is back anchoring our midfield as his tenacity and energy were hellishly missed in the Rob Roy game.

“He is one of those players whose contribution is only recognised when he’s not playing and I know that from experience as I played alongside him towards the end of my playing career with Irvine Meadow.”

His praise for Glenafton evoked the question as to whether Strain felt the New Cumnock outfit were champions material?

He responded: “For my money it’s going to take a good team to stop Rob Roy winning the title and there’s no doubt Glenafton fit that billing along with Auchinleck Talbot who can never be discounted.”

Glens chief McEwan was at his unassuming best in looking forward to the visit of Kilwinning.

Last night he insisted: “I’m delighted with our playing squad – delighted with the commitment shown – delighted with how the players have bought into the culture and ethos we have instilled into the club but our only aim right now is to put enough points on the board to be safe from relegation.

“To have 23 out of a possible 30 at this stage is very pleasing and I’m happy to be where we are but nothing can be taken for granted in this league.

“Saturday is one of the toughest games we could be facing as Chris Strain has several match-winning types at his disposal and beating Beith shows what his players are capable of doing on their day.

“We will be along normal lines other than Kyle McAusland sitting the game out through suspension but his absence opens the door for others to come in and show their worth.”

TODAY'S FIXTURES:

(Kick-offs 1.45pm)

McBookie.com Super Premier Division: Beith v Arthurlie, Rob Roy v Cumnock, Troon v Auchinleck Talbot Glenafton v Kilwinning Rangers, Kilbirnie Ladeside v Hurlford Utd, Pollok v Largs Thistle.

McBookie.com Super First Division. Shotts Bon Accord v Irvine Vics, Clydebank v Kilsyth Rangers, Renfrew v Blantyre Vics, Girvan v Cumbernauld Utd, Maryhill v Yoker Athletic, Irvine Meadow v Petershill, Rutherglen Glencairn v Shettleston.

McBookie.com Central First Division: Wishaw v Neilston, Bellshill Athletic v Lemahagow, Cambuslang Rangers v St Roch's, Benburb v Johnstone Burgh, Vale of Clyde v Thorniewood Utd, Larkhall Thistle v Greenock, Forth Wanderers v Rossvale.

McBookie.com Central Second Division: Newmains Utd v Port Glasgow, Glasgow Perthshire v Gartcairn, Lanark Utd v East Kilbride Thistle, Vale of Leven v Dunipace, St Anthony's v Ashfield, Carluke Rovers v Royal Albert.

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