HE runs a successful Southside vending machines business, can be seen most Saturdays sporting a Pollok scarf around his neck - and is recognised as one of Junior football's leading sponsors.

But little did New Coin Holdings owner Jimmy Gilligan know when he stepped up to back the West of Scotland Cup competition in 2008 that "his team" would still be trying to get their hands on the 88-year-old trophy.

Beith, Irvine Meadow (twice), Glenafton and Auchinleck Talbot have all taken the silverware back to Ayrshire in that time, while one can only conclude the only Central-based success in 2011 must have been even harder to grin and bear seeing as Pollok lost out to arch- rivals Arthurlie in the final.

However, fast forward four years and Jimmy can be forgiven for harbouring thoughts of the trophy finally being bedecked in black and white ribbons on the back of Lok enjoying what appears to be a very favourable draw in the latter stages as a result of the shock third-round exits of top-flight quartet Shotts, Beith, Petershill and holders Auchinleck.

The intriguing quarter-final head-to-heads - taking place next Wednesday (7pm) - now read as Wishaw v Pollok, Kilwinning v Benburb, Irvine Meadow v Ardrossan and Arthurlie v Cumbernauld.

Surviving their Beltane Park test is set to land Pollok with home advantage in the semi-finals against whosoever prevails between the Buffs and Bens, so there are understandable grounds for optimism among supporters that Gilligan might be placing the New Coin trophy prize in the hands of Lok skipper Paul Gallagher.

Manager Tony McInally did his best to quell cup fervour, saying: "Given a level playing field, I think we would acquit ourselves well against Wishaw, but the reality is the game will be our eighth in 19 days and tiredness is undoubtedly having an effect.

"The guys looked decidedly leggy when losing to Largs Thistle last midweek, and our squad has been decimated by a stomach bug running through the camp, which has prevented us resting key players.

"They therefore deserve enormous credit for securing promotion and are desperate to clinch the title itself, but this is a team that is still work in progress, so it's fair to say there's only an outside chance of us coming good on any of the cup fronts."