ROSSVALE Juniors have served notice of their promotion ambitions by moving to the summit of the Central Second Division.

The relative new boys took over pole position by leapfrogging previous leaders Cambuslang Rangers thanks to a 1-0 weekend win over the Somervell Park outfit.

And manager Martin Lauchlan is backing his strike partnership of Fraser Team and Robbie Winters to help keep the Bishopbriggs club atop the pile.

One-time Partick Thistle and St Johnstone midfielder Lauchlan has transformed the fortunes of Rossvale since taking the helm in the summer.

He has brought together a seasoned core in Ross Hepburn (Pollok), Pedram Ardalanay (Arthurlie), Team (Rob Roy), Donnelly (Beith) and the vastly experienced Winters who trained and figured in trial games with Pollok earlier in the season.

The 34-year-old team boss said: "Robbie is not one of those ex- Seniors looking to play out time. He has been nothing short of terrific playing alongside and helping to develop young Fraser.

"They have formed a partnership and I would put money on them coming up trumps more often than not.

"Neither got their name on the scoresheet against Cambuslang so they will be fired up to make amends when we travel through to face St Roch's on Saturday."

Lauchlan makes no apologies for wielding the broom in Rossvale's dressing room during the close-season.

He said: "Rossvale will always be a breeding ground for up and coming talents, but we needed to provide a Junior side that everyone in the club could aspire to play for."

Meanwhile, St Roch's gaffer Andy Cameron believes his side are still capable of figuring in the Central Second Division promotion hunt despite the Garngad outfit slipping to seventh position following their 2-2 weekend draw with Newmains United.

He said: "We would have taken all three points but for a last- minute goal being disallowed. That's us now 10 points adrift of Rossvale going into what has all the makings of a cracker on Saturday and we simply cannot let the gap between the teams get any wider."

Word on the team front is that goalkeeper Ryan Dakhill is set to return between the posts while Cameron will give top scorer T.J. McLuskey - scorer of both Candy Rock goals against Newmains - every chance to recover from a calf strain.

The Candy Rock gaffer admitted: "T.J. is playing out of his skin and looks capable of finding the net in every game.

"However, the drawback to his fabulous form - that's now 10 goals in eight games - is the likelihood of Albion Rovers calling time on his loan spell."

St Roch's are indebted to local sponsors Network Private Hire whose owner John Cassidy has put hands even deeper into pockets to pick up the tab for a team bus to take players and club officials up to Tayside for the forthcoming Scottish Junior Cup third round tie away to St Andrews United.

Cameron said: "It's a magnificent gesture from John and we are all desperate to do him proud on the day."

Meanwhile, yet another Junior management position is up for grabs after Whitletts Vics boss Steph McMillan resigned his post of the past two years in the wake of goals from Jordan Ryan, Greg Vernon and Keir White ensuring Ayrshire District League frontrunners Darvel ran out 3-1 weekend winners over the Vics whose consolation score came from Tony Balfour.

Anyone interested in the position is asked to make contact with club secretary Mark Porter on 07501 614779 or e-mail their details along with a CV to mark.porter31@btinternet.com

SATURDAY'S FIXTURES

(2pm kick-offs)

Stagecoach Super Premier: Beith v Clydebank, Glenafton v Auchinleck, Hurlford v Cumnock, Irvine Meadow v Shotts, Kilbirnie v Troon, Petershill v Arthurlie.

Super First: Glencairn v Ardeer, Greenock v Thorniewood, Kilsyth v Cumbernauld, Neilston v Irvine Vics, Rob Roy v Pollok, Shettleston v Maybole, Yoker v Largs.

Central District First: Ashfield v Maryhill, Bellshill v Lesmahagow, Carluke v Blantyre Vics, Lanark v Benburb, Renfrew v Dunipace (Keanie Park, Johnstone), St Anthony's v Larkhall, Wishaw v Vale of Clyde.

Central District Second: Cambuslang v Newmains, East Kilbride v Johnstone Burgh, Forth v Vale of Leven, Royal Albert v Perthshire, St Roch's v Rossvale.

Ayrshire District: Annbank v Muirkirk, Craigmark v Saltcoats, Darvel v Kilwinning, Girvan v Ardrossan, Lugar v Kello, Whitletts v Dalry.