ROB ROY have been hit by a huge injury blow just ahead of them beginning the defence of the Central Sectional League Cup tonight against Dunipace.

Stewart Maxwell’s side, flying high after chalking up four wins from a testing four pre-season match programme, have been brought crashing back to earth with the news that defensive newcomer Michael Oliver is likely to be spending the next six months on the sidelines.

The 27-year-old former Stirling Albion and Clyde stopper recently injured his knee in an innocuous training ground incident and was missing when Kevin Watt scored the only goal as the Rabs got the better of Jeanfield Swifts in their final friendly outing last weekend.

Before overseeing a light training work-out last night, Maxi confirmed he will have to do without his close-season signing for the foreseeable future.

“Mick has cruciate ligament damage and will most probably need surgery followed by a lengthy rehabilitation programme.

“There’s no denying it’s a blow for us as he had looked very comfortable since dropping down into the Junior ranks and there were signs of a decent partnership being formed with him alongside Danny Boyle.

“However, right now my thoughts are with Mick and for him to make a full recovery as he has a life to lead away from football.

“Anyone expecting me to rush into the transfer market for a replacement will be disappointed because Gary McMenamin has played outstandingly well as a makeshift defender so I’m happy to wait until the right player becomes available.”

Rob Roy are further depleted for tonight’s Guys Meadow opener with suspension ruling out Shaun Fraser on top of Danny McKenzie missing out due to family commitments.

The Rabs boss added: “We are the cup holders and Dunipace will be going all out to take our scalp, but I’d like to think if our approach is right then the team have enough quality to get over the line.”

In last night’s games, Pollok got their season off to a winning start with a 5-1 defeat of St Anthonys at McKenna Park.

First-half scores from Stefan McLuskey and Gary McCann was the least the visitors deserved, but they were rocked by a Jack Heron headed goal for the Ants on the resumption. However, further goals from Nikky Prentice and the McCann brothers, Gary and Stuart, resulted in a comfortable win.

The other Section Six contest saw striker Gary Livingston on target as Benburb overcame Neilston 3-1.

Cambuslang Rangers were 6-0 winners at home to Vale of Clyde and there was a battling success for Blantyre Vics who recovered from falling behind to East Kilbride Thistle after Scott McKean scored.

Second-half scores by Sam McKenzie and Kevin McFarlane clinched their 2-1 triumph.

Connor McDonald and Lee Nichol netted in Bellshill Athletic’s 2-0 victory at home to Shettleston, while Cumbernauld United won 3-1 against Kilsyth.

A powerful Jamie Darroch header and opportunist Jordan Shelvey effort helped Clydebank to a hard fought 2-1 win away to Glasgow Perthshire.

West Region champions Glenafton won 1-0 away to Auchinleck Talbot with a hotly disputed last- minute penalty from Chris Dallas, while Ardagh Glass trophy holders Kilbirnie Ladeside went down 4-2 to Kilwinning Rangers.

Beith won 3-1 at Dalry Thistle while Hurlford United enjoyed a 2-0 success against Irvine Meadow whose near neighbours Irvine Vics won 3-2 away to Darvel.

A high scoring affair between Girvan and Annbank United went the way of the Super Premier side, for whom Michael Reilly bagged a hat-trick in a 5-3 triumph.