Beith are bracing themselves for their toughest pre-season test today when Pollok make the journey down to Bellsdale Park.

Johnny Millar's men had looked to be at their free-flowing best in posting impressive victories against a Rangers XI, St Anthony's, and Linlithgow Rose.

But their early promise came unstuck in midweek when the first-half dismissal of David McGowan contributed to a 3-1 defeat at home to a youthful Kilmarnock side.

"We have to approach the game as if the season is starting for real because you can bet Pollok will not be treating it as a friendly," said experienced defender Kevin McDonald.

He added: "Of course these build-up games are about acquiring fitness and match sharpness.

"But winning them is great for morale both on the pitch and off it as I'm pretty sure both sets of supporters will turn out in numbers looking for a positive result."

McDonald is convinced Beith's defensive capabilities will receive their most testing examination to date from going up against the Lok striking trio of Alan McKenzie, Carlo Monti and David Winters.

He insisted: "Up to now myself and the other guys at the back have enjoyed a relatively easy time of it thanks in no small part to the outstanding form shown by the likes of our own forward-going types.

"Middle to front we have looked awesome, particularly the likes of Kenny McLean, Joe Bradley and our new signing Darren Christie.

"They have been absolutely flying in games and this has helped no end in keeping opposing teams on the back foot.

"However I fancy Tony McInally will want his team to come here and lay down a marker about their own forward-going strengths, not least because most of his players are Super Premier Division quality and will be out to prove that point."

McDonald missed out against Kilmarnock with a back injury that also threatens to preclude him from today's contest, but he said: "Two sides looking to play open and attacking football makes for a real cracker of a game and hopefully my back spasm can ease off to allow me to take part in it."

Earlier, Beith gaffer Millar insisted he would not be taking any risks with the classy defender, saying: "Our preparations have been honed towards having everyone fit and ready for our opening Super Premier league match against Auchinleck Talbot.

"The Ardagh Glass sectional games fall under this umbrella and so too does the head-to-head with Pollok even though a decent rivalry exists between the clubs, which gives it a degree of added importance.

"Kevin will not feature unless he proves himself 100% recovered from his back problem and if truth be told there's no reason to rush him back as young David Donnelly has been playing out of his skin in central defence and hasn't put a foot wrong in our games up to now.

"I've been happy with how the team is shaping up but one enforced change today is caused by Christie going on holiday and his absence may give us the opportunity to give a much-needed workout to our other newcomer Steg McKeown, who is back from injury.

"Otherwise we will be along the usual lines which is only to be expected given we retained 17 of last season's squad."

LOK boss McInally is vowing to be a bit more experimental with the visiting line up as he continues to try out various combinations and run the rule over prospective signings.

Included in the travelling party are ex-Clyde midfielder Ryan McBeth, seasoned Junior defender Chris Merrilees and exciting prospect Thomas Clark from Pollok Juveniles.

Macca admitted: "We are very much a work in progress at the moment but there are definite signs of players gelling together, which is very pleasing.

"Particularly given their superb run of results, taking on Beith is a big ask but my players are looking forward to the challenge."

In other Central v Ayrshire clashes Glenafton host the visit of Maryhill , strong-going Ardrossan Winton Rovers take on Ashfield, and Glasgow Perthshire are at home to Muirkirk.

Cumnock will field new signings Kieron Wood and Kieron Marshall when Lesmahagow come down to Townhead Park.

And Beith's near neighbours Kilbirnie Ladeside will be at home to Johnstone Burgh in a rearranged friendly encounter today after scheduled opponents Carnoustie Panmure cried off because of a lack of available players.

PLAYING TODAY: (various kick-offs). Arthurlie v Craigroyston, Edinburgh Utd v Forth, Kilbirnie Ladeside v Johnstone Burgh, Livingston Utd v St Roch's, Blantyre Vics v Stoneyburn, Oakley v St Anthony's, Dunbar Utd v Hurlford Utd, Broxburn Athletic v Rob Roy, Glenafton v Maryhill, Vale of Leven v Carluke Rovers, Largs Thistle v Harmony Row U-21s, Tayport v Yoker, Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Ashfield, Beith v Pollok, Glasgow Perthshire v Muirkirk, Haddington Athletic v Cambuslang Rangers, Lochore Welfare v Dunipace, Cumnock v Lesmahagow, Fauldhouse Utd v Rutherglen Glencairn, Darvel v EK Thistle, Auchinleck Talbot v Penicuick Athletic, Camelon v Wishaw, Ballingry Rovers v Port Glasgow, Giffnock North v Bellshill Athletic, Irvine Meadow v Linlithgow Rose, Kinnoul v Larkhall Thistle, Shettleston v Clydebank, Luncarty v Thorniewood Utd.