MARK CAMERON has agreed to make a dramatic return to Junior football with Kilbirnie Ladeside.

The ex-Arthurlie coach had been recently sounded out by Valefield co-bosses Stephen Swift and Mark Crilly to come in as a backroom team replacement for Stevie Docherty and he took time to ponder over his decision before throwing in his lot with the Blasties management duo.

Defensive cornerstone Branco's somewhat illustrious playing career saw him skipper the 1999 Kilwinning side whose haul of silverware included the Scottish Cup after a 1-0 victory over Kelty Hearts.

But he has arguably made a bigger splash since moving into coaching/management, and is highly regarded after stints with Ayr United, Renfrew, Cumnock, Arthurlie and Albion Rovers, where he was No.2 to James Ward when the Coatbridge outfit gave Rangers a scare before losing out in a Scottish Cup quarter-final replay last season.

Earlier this term he returned to Dunterlie as No.2 to Gavin Duncan, whose resignation in September led to Branco taking interim charge until Craig McEwan took over.

He is thought to have declined an October approach by another of his former clubs, Cumnock, to take over from Brian McLuckie, so more than a few eyebrows will have been raised by his Kilbirnie appointment.

Branco said: "Coming back on to the Junior scene was not something I had planned to do, but when Mark and Swifty came calling, I decided to give it a go.

"I have known them for years and they are perfect for the front-of-house bit, while I get to work away in the background with their players.

"As luck would have it, my first game entails a long haul north to meet FC Stoneywood in the Scottish Cup, however our few sessions on the training ground has me looking forward to seeing the players in competitive action."

Another new dugout appointment has been announced at Whitletts Vics, whose former player and coach Rikky Ryland has been appointed as boss with long-serving defender Graham Longair stepping up to become assistant.

Ryland's previous club, Saltcoats, are now inviting applications for the manager's position at Campbell Park.

Pollok are looking to emulate a club shut-out record that has stood for all of 17 years when the Super First Division leaders host Kilsyth on Saturday.

Tony McInally's men are looking to notch up their eighth clean sheet on the spin, which was last achieved by the 1997 Pollok team skippered by defensive rock Ian Spittal.

It is understood West Region chiefs are set to investigate events at a stormy Super First contest between Ardeer and Greenock which ended with an eight-man Greenock running out 5-3 winners over nine-man Ardeer.

Scott Reid and Steven Reid goals for the Ayrshire outfit were cancelled out by Craig Brown and Alan Docherty scores for the visitors, however shortly after Scott Reid's second put Ardeer 3-2 ahead, a bust-up saw whistler Craig Walker dismiss two players from each side, Tony Paton and George Bonnar of Ardeer and the Greenock duo of Barri Stanton and Docherty.

Greenock stopper David McGarrigle was next to receive his marching orders, however his depleted team-mates levelled the scores at 3-3 through a Thomas Docherty goal before further scores from Craig Brown and Doc capped a battling comeback.

SATURDAY JUNIORS 1.45pm

Scottish Junior Cup. Third round: Dyce v Port Glasgow, FC Stoneywood v Kilbirnie, Dundonald Bluebell v Yoker, Culter v Falkirk Juniors, Thorniewood v Broughty Athletic, Johnstone Burgh v Largs. Replays: Linlithgow Rose v Montrose Roselea, Jeanfield Swifts v Lesmahagow.

Stagecoach Super Premier: Clydebank v Hurlford, Irvine Meadow v Arthurlie, Shotts v Troon, Cumnock v Glenafton, Petershill v Beith

Super First: Greenock v Neilston, Irvine Vics v Ardeer Thistle, Glencairn v Maybole, Irvine Vics v Ardeer Thistle, Pollok v Kilsyth Rangers, Cumbernauld Utd v Rob Roy.

Central First: Dunipace v Wishaw, Lanark Utd v Carluke Rovers, Benburb v Maryhill, Blantyre Vics v Bellshill Athletic, Ashfield v St Anthony's, Vale of Clyde v Larkhall Thistle.

Central Second: Cambuslang Rangers v St Roch's, Newmains Utd v Forth, Royal Albert v East Kilbride Thistle, Glasgow Perthshire v Vale of Leven.

Ayrshire District: Darvel v Dalry Thistle, Muirkirk v Kilwinning Rangers, Annbank v Craigmark, Whitletts Vics v Kello, Girvan v Saltcoats, Winton Rovers v Lugar Boswell.