IAN CASHMORE is 33 nowadays yet his eye for a goal is as keen as ever it was when he peaked as a promising young striker arriving from Troon Juniors for what was to be the first of his three spells with Kilwinning Rangers back in 2003.

Only last weekend his current Buffs manager Chris Strain described Cashy as “one of the best penalty box players in the game”, but being lauded in this manner wasn’t enough to earn the fans favourite a starting jersey against one of his former clubs Glenafton though he was called upon as a second half substitute to make an unsuccessful attempt at overcoming his side’s 1-0 deficit.

Cashy is a confident type who refuses to dwell on yesteryear when there are new headlines to be made so it’s surprising to learn he is not backing himself for a return to playing action when Kilwinning make the short hop to face top-flight rivals Beith in the only Junior game taking place in the West Region today.

It’s a second coming together in a fortnight for the Ayrshire near neighbours whose recent locking of horns at Abbey Park saw the Buffs run out 3-1 winners and chalk up what has been their only Super Premier victory in six outings.

The experienced hitman revealed: “Chris Strain wanted to change our shape to a 4-2-3-1 when we came up against Beith at home and I was the one to drop out as my game is not about running in behind defenders.

“I was like any other player in not being happy but, to be fair, the gaffer’s changes worked a treat with the team turning in a great performance and our new frontman Kenny Hogg helping himself to a couple of goals in the process.

“Kenny is similar in style to big Ross Stewart who played with us last season before stepping up to join Albion Rovers and I’m sure he’ll be a massive success at the club but I don’t necessarily see him as a threat to my place.”

“He did retain the No.9 jersey for the game down at Glenafton for which Bryan Boylan was suspended but we kept the same shape with Ben Lewis drafted in to replace Bryan and I was again on the bench along with Carlo Monti and Calvin Kemp so we certainly don’t lack for attacking options.

“Though disappointed, I still fancy myself to grab a few goals so I’m staying focused on being fit and ready to grab my opportunity with both hands should Chris elect to give me the nod.

“The Glens underlined again in winning 1-0 that picking up points in this top league is all about being clinical in front of goal when openings are made so I still believe there’s a place for the Ian Cashmores of the game.”

Most pundits look upon Kilwinning as too good a side to be down in the Super Premier basement but their need for points is both obvious and a huge ask in taking to the road to face a Beith side whose only defeat on their own Bellsdale Park turf this season came in their tasty William Hill Scottish Cup third round encounter with Morton.

And the Mighty who released ex-Tower Hearts goalkeeper Calum McBain this week at his own request have made strengthening moves ahead of the vital league clash with the acquisition of their former player Joe Bradley who has signed on a season long loan deal from Queen's Park.

Elsewhere on the comings and goings front comes word of Rossvale Juniors placing highly-rated striker Smart Osadolar on the open to transfer list with interested clubs asked to contact secretary Andy Sanilands (07908713302).

Meanwhile, a number of Junior clubs are seeking to keep their players ticking over with a mix of training sessions and game time over the festive period by arranging friendly matches and the head-to-heads scheduled so far include…

TODAY

(Kick-off 1.45pm)

McBookie.com Super Premier Division: Beith v Kilwinning Rangers.

TUESDAY

Clydebank v Beith (1.45pm), Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Auchinleck Talbot (2pm), Renfrew v Glenafton(7.30pm).

FRIDAY

St Roch's v St Anthony's (12.30pm).

TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2017

Ardeer Thistle v Irvine Meadow (1pm), Renfrew v Ardrossan Winton Rovers (7.30pm).