THE Jekyll and Hyde nature of Cumbernauld's season will come under scrutiny today when they take on local rivals Rob Roy in a top-of-the-table Super First Division encounter.

United's recent triumph in the Euroscot Eng Sectional League Cup Final has cut the players no slack with manager John Queen, who insists his side are under-achieving and lacking consistency.

The hard taskmaster wants them to gatecrash their way into the promotion reckoning and knows victory this afternoon might move United up to third top spot.

Yet a horror defeat in the derby could push them down to a lowly eighth place.

Queeny said: "The guys have remained unbeaten in their last four games and served up a top-notch display last Saturday to beat Rutherglen Glencairn 4-2.

"Chris Zok grabbed a hat-trick and Gary Carroll also got a goal. These two strikers are on song and have the makings of a decent partnership.

"Ryan Haxton is playing in his usual rock-solid manner in defence after being away for a while working in Aberdeen.

"There's a lot to be pleased about - yet I have no idea of what Cumbernauld team will take the field against Rob Roy.

"Our performance levels have been all over the place even though results have been going our way of late. We were on the ball against Glencairn and Greenock, but were ropey against Kilsyth Rangers.

"And we were even worse in the cup final, even though our late rally helped us to get the better of Blantyre Vics"

Queeny's troops face a Rob Roy side that is buoyant after their sensational Junior Cup triumph over last term's beaten finalists Glenafton.

The Rabs are two points ahead of United and are also aiming for promotion. But the United gaffer takes solace from their recent meetings.

Queeny said: "This will be our fourth clash since May and we have come out on top of the other three by the odd goal. But there has been precious little between the teams.

"By all accounts Rob Roy were great against Glenafton, whose keeper apparently saved them from a going-over.

"So we are preparing for another hard-fought contest."

Rabs boss Stewart Maxwell poured cold water on claims United are their bogey team.

He said: "They have enjoyed the rub of the green in recent matches but each of the results could very easily have gone our way. Cumbernauld on their own pitch will be difficult, but the self-belief oozing from our players on the back of beating Glenafton will hopefully stand us in good stead.

"We'd love a derby win to say thanks to our supporters for their backing last week.

"Scott Upton and Chris Duff were magnificent for us in an attacking sense.

"But their ability to get upfield owed a lot to the unselfish covering of Gary McMenamin in the holding midfielder role.

"More of the same tomorrow would suit me fine and I'd also settle for that from young Stevie Aitken and Ryan Tiffney.They are looking more like a striker partnership with every game they play, although Tiff is a major doubt after taking a few hefty knocks last week.

"Martin Brogan's leg is badly bruised while Upton's missed training with a groin strain. So our team selection will not be known until near kick-off."

ALSO in the Super First, Irvine Vics will be looking for their fourth straight league win when they host Ardeer Thistle while Greenock will be minus suspended trio Alan Docherty, Barri Stanton and David McGarrigle for the visit of Neilston.

Glencairn hope to bounce back against Maybole, who are still reeling from this week's resignation of manager Peter Leonard and his staff. Ex-boss Bobby Dunwoodie will look after Bole team affairs until a replacement is named.

Ayrshire District League side Saltcoats Vics have appointed former Ayr United and Clyde striker Derek "Freddie " Frye after Ricky Rylands moved to Whitletts Vics.

Elsewhere, Arthurlie have placed stopper Ryan Jordan - who is recovering from ankle surgery - on the transfer list.

His availability may interest Kilbirnie Ladeside after they lost out in the race for Martin Cairns, who has opted to join Troon instead.

Shettleston's Super First promotion hopes took a blow when winger Ryan McCrone announced that he is planning to emigrate to Australia.

The Central First Division clash between Benburb and Maryhill will take place today at Lochburn Park, with a 1.45pm kick-off.

Finally, Royal Albert's game has been switched to a home tie for East Kilbride, and FC Stoneywood v Kilbirnie Ladeside and Culter v Falkirk Juniors games are both off.