Bellshill manager Robert Downs is facing a battle to head off an exodus of players from his dressing room.

Despite a great start to their league campaign, Downsy is facing up to the prospect of his side being dismantled by a revolt over unpaid wages.

They sit third-top of the Central First Division on 15 points after six games.

But the club - currently tenants of Vale of Clyde at Fullarton Park - has hit a cash crisis while trying to finalise plans to move to a new ground in Bellshill.

And it's believed their players were told they'll not be paid this month.

That news has now led to other clubs enquiring over the availability of stars Jay Mackay, Chris Dolan and Andy Selkirk.

Downs admitted: "It's true that some teams have made approaches on the back of these rumours.

"But I've told them that the terrific camaraderie in our dressing room is showing no signs of falling apart. I can't envisage any of our players here deciding to jump ship."

But Bellshill chairman Paul Fox conceded: "We are experiencing a blip to our long-term plans and we need to cut our cloth to survive. We had intended to move into a new ground in Bellshill this month.

"But things outwith our control have put it all on hold until February.

"It is a blow that we are in a critical state when we are so close to completing our long-term plan.

"Most galling of all is the fact this team is the best we've had in years."

The great team spirit created by Downsy was evident last Saturday as Bellshill held out against Yoker in the West of Scotland Cup despite playing for over an hour with 10 men after Calum Brady was sent off. Unfortunately, they then lost out in the penalty shoot-out.

But Athletic's manager took time out from preparing his squad for this Saturday's long bus trip to Grantown-on-Spey to praise his troops.

Downs explained: "Our great display at Yoker was achieved without the likes of Selkirk, through work commitments, or injured players Brian McGinty and Nikky Cairney.

"All three will return to the fray this week. That will leave us in fine fettle for the long trip North to take on Grantown in the Scottish Junior Cup."

Bellshill are one of six West Region clubs facing early morning starts this weekend. They include 10-times Junior Cup winners Auchinleck Talbot.

They will play one of the strongest North sides, Banks o'Dee, but Tommy Sloan's men should have enough experience to prevail on their travels.

Which is more than can be said for a young Forth Wanderers squad up at Dyce or Willie Harvey's Rutherglen Glencairn, who face former North Region champs Culter.

Auchinleck's playing riches have allowed them to loan midfielder Mark Armour to Maybole.

He is likely to figure in their tie at Penicuick following an impressive debut in last weekend's 5-1 defeat of Ashfield.

Clydebank newcomer Kyle Cummings, from Dalry Thistle, is in line for his home debut when Lossiemouth United visit Holm Park.

But ex-Bankie Stevie Docherty will not be in the Kilbirnie Ladeside dugout when the Blasties visit Glasgow Perthshire.

He resigned his coaching post due to work and family commitments.