JOHNNY MILLAR believes Beith have pulled of a major coup in snapping up striker Sean McKenna from Super Premier rivals Shotts Bon Accord.

The 27-year-old hitman's surprise Hannah Park transfer-listing at his own request following a half-time squabble in last weekend's 3-1 defeat by Kilbirnie Ladeside sparked a frantic race for his signature, won by the Mighty when Millar agreed to meet Shotts counterpart Tam McDonald's asking price.

His no-haggling approach worked the oracle in helping Beith beat a handful of leading clubs keen to land the prolific McKenna, who has netted three times in five Super Premier outings this season.

Millar said: "I've no doubts Sean will be a good signing for this club and it's a real feather in our cap to have him coming on board.

"He has been a recognised Junior goalscorer for some time but his overall game in terms of movement and link-up play is so much better now and he has tended to give my defenders a hard time of it in games against us in recent years.

"A major factor that prompted me to go after him is the fact Sean is quite different to the strikers we already have at Bellsdale.

"Andy Reid, Daz (Darren Christie) and Daniel Mackay have done ever so well in our games up to now but they will need help over the course of a season and moreso since Kenny McLean decided to take some time away from football.

"Losing someone of his quality has left us a bit light in the striking department so Sean will redress the balance."

The newcomer could be in line for the most testing of debuts with Beith taking to the road tomorrow to face Irvine Meadow.

It's a top of the table clash where the incentive for the winners is to go joint-top of the table alongside reigning champions Auchinleck Talbot who are otherwise engaged in the William Hill Scottish Cup.

Millar went on: "It's an important game so you can take it as read that Sean will come into my thoughts for a jersey as we didn't go out on a limb for his signature just for him to be a bench-warmer."

Irvine Meadow are strengthened by the return of front men Chris Hall and Paul McLaughlin who both missed last week's 2-0 Scottish Junior Cup win over Cambuslang Rangers.

Further good news for supporters came from manager Stevie Rankin revealing his highly-rated front man Paul Maxwell has taken his first steps on the road back to recovery from a serious knee injury.

Meanwhile, yet another top flight side determined to pick up three points and share Auchinleck's top perch are Petershill.

Peasy's league title challenge has taken on added importance in the wake of last weekend's shock Scottish Cup first round exit against Hermes.

Willie Patterson and his playing charges will look to get bounce straight back on the rails when heading down into Ayrshire to face troubled Cumnock where there has been repercussions on the back of their 5-0 derby beating at the hands of Talbot.

Club chairman Alan McLuckie is believed to have tendered his resignation before kick-off and on Monday night his son and Townhead Park team boss Brian informed club officials and players that he too was leaving.

Brian has refused to leave Cumnock in the lurch and has manfully overseen training this week along with No 2 Derek Love to prepare his players for the visit of Petershill in what will be his last game in charge.

And a cruel twist of irony has it looking like he will have a full squad to choose from for the first time this season.

SATURDAY'S FIXTURES

Scottish Junior Cup. First Round replays (all 2.30pm): Sauchie v Wishaw, Jeanfield Swifts v Oakley, Ardrossan Winton Rovers v St Anthony's, Clydebank v Colony Park, Tayport v Cruden Bay, Edinburgh Utd v Tranent.

Stagecoach Super Premier Division (all 2pm): Glenafton v Shotts Bon Accord, Arthurlie v Kilbirnie Ladeside, Irvine Meadow v Beith, Cumnock v Petershill.

Stagecoach Super First Division: Kilsyth Rangers v Largs Thistle, Greenock v Irvine Vics, Thorniewood Utd v Maybole, Yoker v Ardeer Thistle, Pollok v Neilston, Shettleston v Rutherglen Glencairn, Rob Roy v Cumbernauld Utd.

Stagecoach Central First Division: Bellshill Athletic v Lanark Utd, Lesmahagow v Larkhall Thistle, Benburb v Ashfield, Blantyre Vics v Dunipace, Carluke Rovers v Renfrew, Renfrew v Vale of Clyde.

Stagecoach Central Second Division: Cambuslang Rangers v East Kilbride Thistle, Rossvale v Newmains Utd, Royal Albert v Forth, St Roch's v Johnstone Burgh, Vale of Leven v Port Glasgow.

Stagecoach Ayrshire District: Craigmark v Dalry Thistle, Saltcoats Vics v Muirkirk, Kello Rovers v Kilwinning Rangers, Annbank Utd v Whitletts Vics, Girvan v Darvel.