Auchinleck Talbot's defensive circumstances were radically altered during the close season by linchpin Craig Pettigrew stepping upstairs to join Stranraer.

Petty had been fundamental to the haul of trophies gleaned in a six-year long stint at Beechwood Park which included a hat-trick of Scottish Junior Cup triumphs as well as back-to-back Super Premier title and Evening Times Cup wins.

Laid-back Bot boss Tommy Sloan did not harp overlong about the classy 27-year-old sweeper's departure and instead insisted it was the Talbot way to regard players moving on as an opportunity for others to shine.

Tucker preached this message to a number of early season trialists and nobody grasped the nettle more than seasoned veteran, Mark Campbell, who arrived at his home town club on a free transfer from Irvine Meadow and has reinvented himself as an aggressive and commanding stopper of some repute.

Tomorrow this welcome metamorphosis is on the verge of receiving its ultimate endorsement when Sparky makes his first return to former Meadow Park pastures in a mammoth third round Scottish Junior Cup tie between the great Ayrshire rivals.

The 36-year-old insists he has nothing to prove to anyone and his past exploits for the Irvine outfit will assure him a warm welcome from home supporters, who only saw the best of him intermittingly last season after Medda gaffer Stevie Rankin favoured a centre-back pairing of Mark Staunton and Mark Twaddle.

Sparky said: "I've no axe to grind with Stevie or Murdie McKinnon on that account as they believed they were doing what was best for Irvine Meadow. You would have to say that reaching the Scottish Cup semi-finals and finishing as Super Premier Division runners-up was a decent return for their efforts.

"It wasn't pleasant being on the outside looking in and not getting to play as much as I wanted, but that's just the way of things in football and I was only too willing to part on good terms and move on last summer."

He attributes his renaissance at the heart of Talbot's rearguard to living in the Ayrshire village where the fervour of supporters is difficult to ignore.

He said: "There's people who live, eat and sleep Auchinleck Talbot and most conversations are centred around the team, particularly when you are a player.

"Things get even more frantic around Scottish Junior Cup ties because of the club's fantastic record in winning the competition 10 times and our pairing with Irvine Meadow has certainly caused the tongues to be wagging more than normal.

"It's a massive game for both clubs and one that neither of us would have handpicked, but we don't fear going up against anyone playing to our maximum - though I imagine the Medda boys will feel the same way."

It goes without saying that Sparky is determined to shut out his former team-mates and he believes the injury- enforced loss of Paul Maxwell does not seriously dilute Medda's attacking threat.

He said: "Maxi is a handful for any defence, but Chris Hall is an extremely skilful sort and Willie Sawyers is strong and difficult to knock off the ball while Gary McCann's pace is awesome. We will have our work cut out, but Talbot don't lack for matchwinners either as Graham Wilson is in the form of his life and Keir Milliken is also a former Irvine Meadow player who will be desperate to do well.

"And we have David Gormley looking like he is back to his best so I'd like to think Staunts and big Mark will also have their mettle tested."

He added: "There is so little to choose between the teams that I wouldn't bet against us doing it all again next week."

Medda boss Rankin reports a clean bill of health other than a troublesome shoulder injury besetting goalkeeper Andy Carlin which has sidelined him in recent weeks.

Stevie said: "I shouldn't have to say anything other than Auchinleck Talbot and the Scottish Junior Cup to spell out what my players are up against.

"It's unfortunate that one of our clubs has to go out at this early Scottish stage, but I'd imagine every other team manager is absolutely delighted at the prospect.

"Sparky coming back here is an added touch of spice and I'm sure the big man will be as high as a kite with adrenaline, but he is also a top professional of great experience who will take a game of this importance in his stride.

"I'm not going to risk ending up with egg on my face by making predictions on how things will pan out other than to say the winning team will have to put in a hard shift."

 

SATURDAY’S FIXTURES
(Kick-offs 2pm unless stated)

William Hill Scottish Junior Cup. Third Round (1.45pm): Edinburgh Utd v Bonnyrigg Rose, Dyce v Port Glasgow, Lesmahagow v Jeanfield Swifts, Musselburgh Athletic v Luncarty, St Andrews Utd v St Roch’s, Shotts Bon Accord v Hurlford Utd, Arthurlie v Darvel, Beith v Kilwinning Rangers, FC Stoneywood v Kilbirnie Ladeside, West Calder Utd v Clydebank, Shettleston v Neilston, Rossvale v Lugar Boswell, Lochee Utd v Blantyre Vics, Irvine Meadow v Auchinleck Talbot, Glenrothes v Hermes, Cumnock v Kennoway Hearts, Nairn St Ninian v Fauldhouse Utd, Camelon v Dundee East Craigie, Montrose Roselea v Linlithgow Rose, Troon v Arniston Rangers, Bellshill Athletic v Downfield, Dundee Violet v Pollok, Dundonald Bluebell v Yoker, Spey Valley v Banchory St Ternans, Culter v Falkirk Juniors, Newtongrange Star v Maud, Penicuik Athletic v Arbroath Vics, Johnstone Burgh v Largs Thistle, Dunipace v Kilsyth Rangers, Rob Roy v Glenafton, Kelty Hearts v Bo’ness Utd, Thorniewood Utd v Broughty Athletic.
Stagecoach League. Super First Division: Maybole v Irvine Vics, Rutherglen Glencairn v Cumbernauld Utd, Ardeer Thistle v Greenock.
Stagecoach League. Central First Division: Maryhill v Renfrew, Larkhall Thistle v Lanark Utd, Benburb v Carluke Rovers, St Anthony’s v Wishaw, Ashfield v Vale of Clyde.
Stagecoach League. Central Second Division: East Kilbride Thistle v Cambuslang Rangers, Vale of Leven v Newmains Utd, Glasgow Perthshire v Forth.

Stagecoach League. Ayrshire District: Dalry Thistle v Muirkirk, Girvan v Craigmark, Saltcoats Vics v Winton Rovers, Kello Rovers v Annbank Utd.