FATHER and son rivalries often crop up in Junior football circles, but rarely do the circumstances pit them as managers of opposing teams, as is the case in the Ardagh Glass Cup Section One opener between Ardrossan Winton Rovers and Kilwinning Rangers tomorrow.

Taking up a berth in the home dugout is 58-year-old Chris Strain, the former Irvine Meadow boss, while desperate to show his own management prowess is son Chris, 34, who previously played under his old man at Meadow Park.

Strain Senior would love nothing better than to inflict a bloody nose on young Chris, even though it was he who gave him a first helping hand on to the football management ladder in the season before last when affording him the opportunity to coach Medda's playing squad.

Said the Winton gaffer: "Chris is no chip off the old block and is very much his own man when it comes to how he likes to set his team out.

"And why should he turn to me for advice, given he has the considerable input of top-notch assistants Alan Mahood and Colin Stewart helping him to construct what is a very well-organised Buffs side.

"We have done our homework on them and all reports indicate they will be one of the Ayrshire District title challengers this season.

"However, any sense of pride I feel about Chris making a name for himself as a Junior manager goes out the window for 90 minutes tomorrow.

"Hopefully he's not too disappointed and will accept a consoling beer after the final whistle."

Relations between the rival bosses have not been too strained (no apologies for that one) because young Chris offloaded Connor Browning to Winton Rovers towards the end of last season and his dad has been singing the defender's praises ever since.

He lauded: "It says everything that Connor has never been out of my team since arriving here, and he has been flying in our pre-season games and forming a terrific partnership with big Robbie Cochrane.

"Our other summer signings John Johnston (Cumnock), Colin Webb (Irvine Vics) and Ryan Caddis (Irvine Meadow), have also looked the part and the sky's the limit if they can take this early form into the new campaign.

"Mind you it's not only newcomers who are setting the heather alight, because young Sean Hainey is shaping up as the best Junior prospect I've seen in 15 years."

Strain the younger has strengthened his Abbey Park playing hand with the capture of ex-Pollok and Irvine Meadow stopper Chris McGowan along with Stranraer starlet Dean Agnew and he is hoping to complete the signing of vastly experienced frontman John Bradford from Cumnock.

And the manager of just six months may also lend a helping hand himself after making a full recovery from a March ankle operation.

He added: "Gowser and John definitely bring some much-needed experience to our dressing room."

Chris Junior reckons it's a massive ask to lock horns with his Dad, but the bravado of youth has him relishing the prospect.

He said: "My Dad hasn't beaten me at golf in the past five years, so maybe it's time for him to also hand over his footballing crown."

Meanwhile, Ardagh Glass Cup holders Cumnock have been tasked with a daunting first defence of the trophy with a trip to meet Super Premier Division rivals Glenafton.

Last season's beaten finalists Beith get underway when near neighbours Largs Thistle visit Bellsdale Park and home advantage is also enjoyed by fancied quartet Auchinleck Talbot, Hurlford United, Irvine Meadow and Troon.