Junior Cup holders Hurlford United today begin their defence of the 128-year-old silverware with "a potential banana skin of a tie" away to Rosyth Juniors.

So says the Ayrshire side's team boss Darren Henderson who delighted in overseeing Ford's historic Cup triumph over Glenafton last season and admits to be openly relishing the prospect of trying to do it all over again.

And old warhorse Hendo is warning his playing charges to expect a red-hot reception in Fife and is urging them to roll up their sleeves ahead of putting their scalps on the line against the East Region South Division frontrunners.

He said: "We had them watched and reports indicate Rosyth are an up-and-coming young side whose all-out attacking style is the reason they are sitting top of the table through there.

"Admittedly they are not a Premier Division club but scoring a lot of goals breeds confidence and you can bet their players will be extra fired-up and salivating over the thought of grabbing the spotlight by knocking out the cup holders.

"We need to get used to that tag because every Scottish Junior Cup game is huge for us because of it."

Hurlford's outstanding cup exploits from last time out had pundits strongly tipping them to emerge as a leading candidate for the Super Premier Division title, however an inauspicious start sees Hendo's men occupying sixth spot.

But the seasoned gaffer in him insists it is too soon to push the panic button and he is remaining upbeat ahead of going into the defining winter months.

He said: "Cup form up to now has been impressive but we have stuttered badly in the league action and I'm not going to pretend otherwise.

"On the up side is the fact our injury problems are beginning to clear and getting Glen Mitchell back in harness last weekend against Muirkirk after two months out was a great boost for the dressing room because we've missed his ball-winning presence.

"Ross Robertson is also close to full fitness which will take the weight off Stewart Kean as he has played in recent games with a tight hamstring. Stevie Masterton is fit again while there is the imminent return on the horizon of arguably the most talismanic figure in our dressing room, Paul McKenzie who is coming back from cracked ribs.

"Taz, for his ability to run at defenders and unlock defences, has been the sorest miss of all and he is champing at the bit to figure against Rosyth even though he is only two weeks into what was supposed to be up to a five-week recovery period.

"I'm tempted to throw him in just for the lift it will give the other guys to see him lining up alongside them."

Hendo added: "Solid, reliable types like Paul Byrne and Danny Mitchell don't get the credit they deserve for holding things together while our close season signing of Chris Robertson from Cumnock has been a major plus.

"But it's only now we are seeing the best of Ross Chisholm, who has taken time to adapt to the Junior ranks while I have no qualms about predicting 19-year-old Gus Cochrane is a star in the making.

" We have a greater strength in depth on the playing front than last season but the key is to get everyone fit and available at the same time.

"If and when that happens we will take some stopping."

Beaten finalists last time out, Glenafton host top-rated East Region outfit Broxburn Athletic but Jamie McKernon's ability to pull the midfield strings and the sharpshooting prowess of strikers Aaron Connolly and Alain Kinney should see Tommy Bryce's side clear this sticky second round hurdle.

At least eight clubs from these parts are guaranteed to be fallers in the all-West Region contests taking place, the pick of which is the Beith v Cumbernauld United showdown at Bellsdale where a 5-5 stalemate ensued when the two sides last crossed swords.

Elsewhere, Cumnock's new boss John McKeown has been manfully attempting to make player strengthening moves ahead of the Ayrshiremen hosting minnows Newmachar later today.

It's believed an approach for Shotts Bon Accord stopper Chris Walker was rejected by their Super Premier Division rivals and McKeown has also reputedly targeted a couple of his former Wishaw playing charges, however no transfer business is likely until the Lanarkshire club's officials appoint a new man at the Beltane Park helm.