Pollok manager Tony McInally has thrown down the gauntlet to his Newlandsfield players by agreeing to a fixture on Saturday.

Glasgow-based clubs were not compelled to play league matches over the holiday weekend, but Macca was keen to see his side build on last week's 4-0 defeat of Cumbernauld United by picking up three points to go top of the Super First Division table.

His bold stance has landed the southside club with a trek down into South Ayrshire to face unbeaten Maybole.

It's a match the Lok boss has labelled a "huge test of character" for his men. He said: "We are a long way from the finished article, but the knitting is showing signs of coming together.

"We have been improving steadily. It was no mean feat to beat a Cumbernauld side I expect to be one of the title challengers next May.

"Our guys had been guilty of playing at a high tempo in matches for only 10-minute spells, but last Saturday they kept things going for much longer periods.

"The result was our biggest winning margin to date. What was particularly heartening for me was that none of our four goals were scored by Davie Winters.

"A lot of people think we totally rely on him coming up with the goods in the box. But that is clearly not the case.

"Another morale boost came from posting our first clean sheet in eight matches.

"Showing we can shut the door against Cumbernauld will hopefully instil a bit of confidence in our backline for the tests to come."

Macca knows more of the same defensive resolve will be required at the Ladywell Stadium against a home side boasting the best scoring record in the division.

In fact, they have netted five goals in each of their last two league outings. The Pollok gaffer added: "Some people might have regarded Maybole as one of the lesser lights at this level.

"However, we've had them watched and the reports back - when put alongside their results - indicate they are not a team to be taken lightly.

"They are a big and powerful outfit with an experienced frontman in Andy Stevenston. He knows the way to goal and is ably backed up by the former Cumnock midfielder Stuart McGrady.

"Home advantage is a big plus and their players will be similarly motivated from knowing they can also move into pole position with a win.

"That provides an added edge to what has the makings of a cracking confrontation.

"We'll need to compete and stay well organised to stand a chance of coming away with anything from this game."

Saturday's only other Super First Division encounter will see Largs Thistle - beaten 5-0 by Maybole in their last outing - hosting Irvine Vics.

Both sides have had frustrating starts to their league campaigns and have picked up only a point apiece from three matches.

Largs boss Sandy McLean has been beset by defensive woes, with his stalwart Barry McLaughlin ruled out of this one by suspension and Creag Little injured.

However, the Theesel supremo is putting great store in youngster Nicky Jamieson, son of former Pollok midfielder Davie, to keep things tight at the back.

But of greater concern for Sandy is the need for his players to find a cutting edge to their outfield play. He explained: "We've been creating chances galore, but just can't stick the ball in net.

"Kevin Struthers, James Marks and Euan Lyndsay are all recognised scorers, but a rub of the green has deserted all of them at the same time.

"But once we address our failings in front of goal I have no doubt we will progress towards the top half of the table."

The Vics co-managers Ian McMillan and Stevie Wilson are boosted by the return from injury of speedy forward Eddie Ablhor, who they see as the ideal partner for their top scorer Kevin Adam.