The pressure is about to bear on Super Premier Division bottom markers Kilwinning Rangers in their quest to clamber clear from the relegation drop zone.

Tomorrow finds them at Newlandsfield for a crunch clash against Pollok.

And their manager Chris Strain knows from playing experience the drill for getting results on the Glasgow Southside - weather Lok’s opening burst, frustrate, gain a foothold and then hit hard and fast on the break.

Yet one cannot help but feel that if these factors are to happen and enable precious points to be put on the board then the Buffs will need to come up with surer ways of turning the good things they do on the pitch into goals.

Statistics clearly portray the Ayrshiremen coming up short in this respect given they have notched only 18 strikes in 15 league games to date, the lowest return of any top flight club.

However, a defiant Strain says he is relaxed about the prospect of the transfer window closing without a hitman walking through the Abbey Park gates.

Indeed, he has gone about selectively strengthening other areas of his team last midweek and has been waxing lyrically over the impact made by his new additions while also making a case for there being a number of signings from earlier this season whom he expects to get more from during Kilwinning’s vital run-in games.

The Buffs boss said: "I had heard several good reports about a centre-back playing with Fauldhouse United by the name of Mikey Morris and I decided to sign him without ever seeing him in action and it’s a gamble that looks like it’s paid off.

“Mikey is a very fit guy, as befitting a PE teacher based in Hamilton. We threw him straight in against Hurlford United last weekend because of Isaac Kerr missing out with a hamstring strain.

"And he did an excellent job coping with big Ross Robertson, whose physicality tends to make him a very awkward customer.

“The decision was also made to blood 18-year-old Kilmarnock loan signing Lewis Morrison, who featured for Killie against Celtic earlier on this season and who served up a tremendous display with his skill and trickery on the ball catching the eye.

“Lewis is a young man who is keen to test himself against more experienced opposition than you get at Youth Development level and fair play to the lad for pushing to get out on loan despite Kilmarnock not being sold on the idea.

“He’s a type who might just thrive on the very special atmosphere that prevails when teams come go head to head with Pollok in front of their own fans.”

The game is coming a week too soon for powerful stopper Kerr and there are concerns over the likelihood of a couple of other Buffs regulars passing muster while busy front man Kenny Hogg has been released to go and play for a former club in Iceland where his contract terms included the offer of a full-time job

Added intrigue comes from finding out whether three ex- Pollok players in Kilwinning’s travelling party.

Finlay Frye, Carlo Monti and Stevie Swift will be doing their utmost shine against their former team, however Strain believes his players will just go out and play their normal game.

He said: "I would think most eyes will be on Carlo and Findlay who are making their first return to Newlandsfield and I’ve no doubts they will relish the prospect but have they a point to prove …well not in my book.

“Fin will be his typical committed self and will compete for every ball to try and get into the Pollok players’ faces while Carlo has shown outstanding flashes up to now and I’d like to see him produce his top form consistently.

“There are times when he can be unplayable and if facing Pollok brings out the best in him then nobody will be happier than me.”

Strain’s belief in the qualities of Monti and Bryan Boylan is behind his decision not to chase down another striker signing.

He added: "The pair of them are brave, athletic and capable of scoring all types of goals as long as they get the right service and I believe they have the makings of a partnership that many central defenders will not want to play against."

Pollok welcome back ex-Clyde frontman Michael Daly after he served out a three-match ban.

However, popular full-back Tam Hanlon is posted missing on account of a two-match suspension for his sending-off against Beith last weekend while injury doubts continuing to hang over Mark Sideserf could result in a starting jersey for Liam Rowan.

Elsewhere, there is further transfer news from St Roch's where a loan deal has been arranged for Stirling Albion midfielder Scott Burns who is in line for a daunting debut away to Rob Roy in the Central League Cup.

PLAYING TOMORROW (Kick-offs 2pm): McBookie.com Super Premier Division. Cumnock v Auchinleck Talbot,Largs Thistle v Glenafton, Pollok v Kilwinning Rangers, Kilbirnie Ladeside v Beith.

McBookie.com Super First Division.

Girvan v Kilsyth Rangers, Irvine Meadow v Shettleston, Rutherglen Glencairn v Irvine Vics Shotts Bon Accord v Cumbernauld Utd, Yoker Athletic v Renfrew.

McBookie.com Central First Division.

Johnstone Burgh v Thorniewood Utd, Forth Wanderers v Bellshill Athletic, Benburb v Neilston.

McBookie.com Central Second Division.Ashfield v Carluke Rovers, Port Glasgow v Dunipace.

McBookie.com Ayrshire District League. Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Maybole , Darvel v Lugar Boswell, Kello Rovers v Whitletts Vics, Muirkirk v Saltcoats Vics.

Central League Cup, second round

Gartcairn v Vale of Leven, Greenock v Lanark Utd, Rob Roy v St Roch's, Larkhall Thistle v Arthurlie, Maryhill v East Kilbride Thistle, Newmains Utd v Lesmahagow, Petershill v Clydebank, St Anthony's v Blantyre Vics, Wishaw v Cambuslang Rangers.

First Round: Royal Albert v Vale of Clyde.Ayrshire Cup.

Second Round: Dalry Thistle v Annbank Utd.

First Round: Troon v Ardeer Thistle.