TOMMY BRYCE insists his Glenafton players need fear nobody ahead of tomorrow's crunch Super Premier Division contest against Petershill.

The seasoned team boss admitted to be hurting after his emerging side blew their chance to be sitting joint top of the standings through a 3-1 reverse at home to Hurlford United last weekend.

Earlier today he was still finding it difficult to accept the Glens ended up losers but he firmly believes his playing charges can put the defeat behind them once and for all by picking up the three points on offer through in Springburn.

Bryce revealed: "The guys have been shaping up well and stringing together some decent performances even though there's not been a game this season when I've had a full squad to choose from because of injuries.

"Confidence was understandably high going into the Hurlford game and things seemed to be going according to plan when we duly controlled matters and led 1-0 at half-time through a Michael Wardrope goal only to then pass up two scoring chances that would have put the game out of sight.

"These were not so much half-chances as clear-cut opportunities and if just one of them had been taken then I'm certain we would have won the game with a bit to spare, but as it was Hurlford came roaring back to take the spoils.

"The ideal way to bounce back is to get a victory at Petershill and I don't think it's

beyond us as the players have shown themselves capable of beating any team on their day."

Craig Menzies, Aaron Connolly and Scott Adam are rated extremely doubtful starters for the Ayrshiremen, however, but better news for visiting supporters comes from Bryce revealing the eye gash sustained by goalscoring midfielder Cameron Marlowe has cleared up while back in contention for a jersey is striker Michael Reilly after he returned from holiday and came through two stiff training sessions this week.

Bryce added: "Chris Meilkle, Pat Walker and Daniel Orsi will also come into our

selection thoughts but I'm loathe to make wholesale changes as a reaction to our Hurlford defeat.

"We have not become a bad team overnight and the likes of young Wardrope who is on loan from Ayr United and is only 18, Jamie McKernon and Adam Strachan have been playing out of their skins.

"We'll need them at their best because Petershill are never an easy touch particularly on their 3G playing surface."

Petershill gaffer Willie Patterson reports no major injury concerns and will stick closely to his line-up that ran out 1-0 winners away to Kilbirnie Ladeside last Saturday.

The injury-ravaged Blasties, for whom Matty Bennett is on the open-to-transfer list, will be going all out to put their first points on the board when hosting the visit of Cumnock.

Chris Wilson's broken arm makes him a definite non-starter and the likelihood is he will not lack for company on the sidelines with doubts hanging over the fitness of Scott Gair (ankle), Ryan Borris (ribs), Chris McCluskey (facial knock), Billy Gibson (ankle) and Kieran McAnespie (thigh muscle).

Co-boss Stephen Swift said: "We've had a horrific start which I put down to us paying the price for being forced to cram four games into one week. Tiredness has undoubtedly contributed to injuries and what players were still standing had nothing left in their tanks for our game against Petershill so hopefully the week's rest will see us in better fettle for the visit of Cumnock."

Kilbirnie's near neighbours Beith are preparing for the visit of Shotts Bon Accord

minus top-rated striker Kenny McLean who earlier this week stunned club officials, team- mates and supporters alike by announcing he was quitting football because of work and family commitments.

Team boss Johnny Millar insisted: "We as a club genuinely believe Kenny saying he needs a break away from the game and we are going along with his wishes not least because he has been a great servant for Beith.

"However, one or two rival clubs seem to think his actions are part of a master plan

designed to get a move away from Bellsdale Park and have made contact to ask him about his future plans.

"These people are wasting their time and it's best if they afford Kenny time to deal with issues away from football."

Meanwhile, word on the comings and goings front is that Glasgow Perthshire are leading the race for the signature of Maryhill goalkeeper Jack Baker, placed on the open-to-transfer list at his own request last week.

SATURDAY JUNIORS

Kick-offs 2.00pm

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

Super First Division: Cumbernauld v Neilston, Greenock v Rob Roy, Irvine Vics v Yoker, Kilsyth v Ardeer, Largs v Maybole, Shettleston v Pollok, Thorniewood v Glencairn.

Central District First: Blantyre Vics v St Anthony's, Larkhall v Benburb, Lesmahagow v Lanark, Maryhill v Carluke, Renfrew v Ashfield (at Keanie Park), Vale of Clyde v Dunipace, Wishaw v Bellshill.

Central District Second: East Kilbride v Port Glasgow, Forth v Rossvale, Newmains v Vale of Leven, Perthshire v St Roch's, Royal Albert v Johnstone Burgh.

Ayrshire District: Ardrossan v Kello, Craigmark v Whitletts, Darvel v Annbank, Lugar v Muirkirk, Saltcoats v Kilwinning.