YOKER Athletic's bid to make it into the Scottish Junior Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2007 has received a helping hand from Lady Luck.

 

Legendary gaffer Jim George was at the Whe Ho helm back then, but now his feat is on the brink of being emulated in the aftermath of current team boss John McAulay overseeing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Glenrothes last weekend that secured the club a last-16 place in this season's showpiece competition.

That's because a "kind" fifth-round draw in midweek - an away game pairing with either Lesmahagow or Johnstone Burgh - has left many Holm Park diehards believing their team is as good as any in the last 16.

A more cautious McAulay took time out from preparing his players for tomorrow's crunch Super First Division basement clash against Irvine Vics to warn against complacency.

He said: "Some fans were every bit as ecstatic when we were paired with Whitletts Vics at the same stage last season only to end up with a bloody nose after being turned over 4-1.

"I'm thrilled for the guys to have made it on to the same last 16 stage, however there is not a chance of anyone in our dressing room thinking ourselves superior.

"We could have been dealt a much tougher hand looking at the teams in the draw, however the same applies to both the Gow and Burgh, who will be thinking Lady Luck has smiled on them after landing ourselves.

"Coming so close to the quarter-finals last time out has whetted our appetites, but it remains to be seen whether we have learned our lesson."

Yoker's stunning triumph at the Warout Stadium was all the more notable for McAulay's playing hand being shorn of stars Davie Crerand, Greg Maitland and Mark Maxwell, whose absences resulted in a place on the bench for centre-back Gerry Joyce, who was the inspirational heart of the 2007 Yoker defence before going on to play for Petershill.

McAulay admitted: "We could not fill our substitutes' bench against Glenrothes, so Gerry stepped in to make up the numbers even though he has only just restarted training and is a few weeks away from attaining full fitness.

"Someone of his experience is sure to be a great addition to the squad - further boosted by this week's return of right-back Michael Baillie, a strong and energetic type who was looking a very promising prospect at the start of this season until work commitments forced him to quit playing football.

"His job has now changed, allowing him to pull on the boots again and, in many respects, it's like signing a new player to have him back in contention for a jersey.

"And the added competition for places is not restricted to defence because we are also hopeful of tying up a deal to bring in ex-Clydebank attacking midfielder Reece Pearson at the second time of asking."

McAaulay added: "He was initially on our radar when the Bankies released him at his own request, but turned down our approach in favour of a move to Irvine Meadow, where his disillusionment with a lack of playing opportunities has led to him coming back to our table.

"Reece coming on board along with Gerry and Michael is a massive shot in the arm, particularly as they are all eligible for the Scottish Cup and hopefully this injection of strength in depth will also help us string a few results together and climb away from the Super First Division basement area.

"Picking up just one victory in our last six league starts has left us in a precarious position and we have to look to for improvements starting at home to Irvine Vics tomorrow."

Yoker have made arrangements to play Irvine Meadow at Meadow Park if their league match is cancelled.

In other transfer news, Petershill have strengthened their playing hand with the acquisition of striker Michael Daly on loan from Clyde.

TOMORROW'S FIXTURES

(Kick-offs 2pm)

Scottish Junior Cup. Fourth Round: Arthurlie v Rob Roy, Spey Valley v Penicuik Athletic, Culter v Linlithgow Rose, Pollok v Cumnock, Clydebank v Shettleston, Hurlford Utd v Bo'ness Utd, Camelon v Troon, Newtongrange Star v Blantyre Vics, Lesmahagow v Johnstone Burgh.

Stagecoach League Super Premier Division: Shotts Bon Accord v Glenafton, Beith v Petershill Auchinleck Talbot v Kilbirnie Ladeside.

Stagecoach League Super First Division: Neilston v Greenock, Ardeer Thistle v Rutherglen Glencairn, Kilsyth Rangers v Thorniewood Utd, Maybole v Cumbernauld Utd, Yoker v Irvine Vics.

Stagecoach League Central First Division:  Benburb v St Anthony's, Carluke Rovers v Ashfield, Renfrew v Lanark Utd, Wishaw v Larkhall Thistle, Dunipace v Bellshill Athletic, Vale of Clyde v Maryhill.

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

Stagecoach Leagues Ayrshire District: Darvel v Craigmark, Kilwinning Rangers v Kello Rovers, Dalry Thistle v Whitletts Vics, Lugar Boswell v Saltcoats Vics, Muirkirk v Winton Rovers.