St Anthony's boss James McKenna has urged his club's supporters to forget the past and welcome Chris Mackie back to McKenna Park ... temporarily.

The prolific hitman sealed a shock move back to his former pastures with a goal from the penalty spot on Saturday as the Ants secured their first league points of the season through a 3-1 derby success against Benburb.

Only three seasons have elapsed since the 38-year-old was regarded as Public Enemy No.1 in Govan circles when he left the Ants in the lurch to join Petershill in somewhat acrimonious circumstances.

Bitterness and enmity over the situation boiled over to such an extent that his name was left off the team boards and match programme when the two clubs met at McKenna Park in a drawn Scottish Cup tie.

Never a shrinking violet, Mackie responded by scoring one of the goals as Peasy ran out replay winners and he celebrating by revealing an undershirt with the message 'Does Anyone Know My Name'.

It was believed he had burned all the bridges back but now he's been accepted back into the Ants fold after getting in touch with Cotter and offering his striking services.

McKenna said: "Chris is here on a month-long loan with the intention of getting himself match-fit for Petershill while doing us a good turn at the same time.

"Peasy boss Willie Patterson had planned to loan him out and Chris took it upon himself to phone me asking if he could come back and play for St Anthony's. I could hardly say no considering we have been struggling for numbers and unable to name a full complement of substitutes for weeks on end.

"I was never going to cut off my nose to spite my face, particularly as Chris remains a very good player at Junior level, and it speaks volumes about his fitness levels that he played the entire 90 minutes against Benburb in what was his first game in almost four months.

"Petershill's terrific start to the season might limit his chances of winning back a starting place but there are no definite plans other than for him to train one night at Petershill and another with ourselves."

Petershill have further cleared the decks by granting a free transfer to midfielder Ryan Craig and transferring close season acquisition Barry McGowan to Wishaw.

Meanwhile, the always volatile Central First Division has suffered its first managerial casualty of the season.

Brian Johnston has resigned at bottom markers Lanark United in the wake of a 2-0 weekend reverse at home to Renfrew - a fourth defeat for the Yowes in four league starts.

The former striker said: "Juggling management with work and family commitments has knocked my energy levels for six and I'd have walked away weeks ago but for the enthusiasm and commitment of my backroom team, David Middleton and John Fyfe.

" I know the team have it in them to turn the corner but sadly it won't be with me at the reins as I need time away from the game to recharge the batteries.

"The game is in my blood and no doubt I'll be back, but I fancy it might be pulling on the boots as there's a part of me feels I still have something to offer in a playing capacity."

Word on the street reckoned ex-Thorniewood United boss Kieron McGuinness and Forth Wanderers assistant Whitey Moffat would be in the running for the post, however Johnston confirmed his successor will be St Johnstone scoring legend John Brogan who recently tendered his resignation at Lowland League club Bromhill SC.

Johnston revealed: "John took charge of training last night and his knowledge of the game makes him a fantastic appointment for the club.

"He is inheriting a decent squad of players lacking only for a sprinkling of experienced heads and if his many contacts can wrought a few changes then it won't be long until Lanark are climbing the table."

 

SATURDAY'S FIXTURES
(Kick-offs 2.30pm)
Scottish Junior Cup. First Round: Forth Wanderers v Dufftown,  Ellon United v Carluke Rovers, Thornton Hibs v Ashfield, Oakley United v Jeanfield Swifts, Glentanar v Kelty Hearts, Wishaw v Sauchie, Aberdeen University v Kirkcaldy YMCA, Tranent v Edinburgh United, Kilsyth Rangers v Blairgowrie, Kilwinning Rangers v New Elgin, Whitehills v Lochee Harp, Harthill Royal v Darvel, Arthurlie v Hall Russell United, Annbank United v FC Stoneywood, Scone Thistle v Newtongrange Star, Bonnyrigg Rose v Inverness City, Sunnybank v Glenrothes, Renfrew v Ballingry Rovers, Dundee North End v Kello Rovers, St Roch’s v Lochgelly Albert, East Kilbride Thistle v Johnstone Burgh, Falkirk Juniors v Islavale, Cruden Bay v Tayport, Downfield v Vale of Leven, Dundee East Craigie v Hill of Beath Hawthorn, Shettleston v Ardeer Thistle, St Anthony’s v Ardrossan Winton Rovers, Colony Park v Clydebank, Cambuslang Rangers v Irvine Meadow, Lanark United v Penicuik Athletic, Lochee United v Muirkirk Juniors, Parkvale v Rosyth, Hermes v Petershill.

 

(Kick-offs 2pm)
Stagecoach Leagues. Super Premier Division: Shotts Bon Accord v Kilbirnie Ladeside, Beith v Glenafton, Troon v Hurlford Utd, Auchinleck Talbot v Cumnock.
Stagecoach Leagues. Super First Division: Largs Thistle v Irvine Vics, Maybole v Pollok.
Stagecoach Leagues. Ayrshire District: Dalry Thistle v Saltcoats Vics, Lugar Boswell v Craigmark, Whitletts Vics v Girvan.