IT’S not altogether surprising for Pollok to appreciate the New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup with a special fondness given the sponsor is none other than life-long Lok supporter Jimmy Gilligan.

And a mark of that affection were the jubilant Newlandsfield scenes (with Jimmy very much a central figure) that greeted the Southside giants getting their hands on the silverware last season with a 5-4 shoot-out defeat of Cumnock following a dramatic 2-2 draw.

Pollok’s stirring victory was all the more special because it was their first under the Shawlands-based company owner’s sponsorship of the long-running competition dating back over a decade.

Memories of his side’s Cup Final triumph last May come easily to Lok gaffer Tony McInally’s mind and have him urging his players to go out and retain the silverware ahead of their second-round clash away to minnows Saltcoats Vics tomorrow.

Macca said: “Saltcoats may be sitting near the foot of the Ayrshire District League and rated no-hopers but they are deserving of our respect after knocking out Arthurlie in the last round.

“And it’s a mark of our desire to keep hold of the New Coin Holdings Cup that we’ve had them watched in recent games and will be putting out our strongest possible line-up down at Campbell Park.

“The Scottish Cup and Super Premier title are gone so the West is the biggest prize available to us and we want to win it.”

Macca’s side have shown impressive form of late and will be looking to extend an unbeaten run into double figures.

He added: "Our results have picked up after a quite horrendous February when the unavailability of players for key games have cost us dear.

“It’s only now that our supporters are seeing a measure of consistency and a coming together as a team and I share their frustrations that we are coming good too late in the day.

“Adam Forde and Stuart McCann have developed into a top forward partnership and they have ample backing from Stefan McLuskey and Gary McCann – so there are goals in us.

“Paul Gallagher and Bryan Wharton have likewise forged a strong defensive heart along with Mark Sideserf and the only downside right now is the loss of Grant Evans who will not play again this season after undergoing cartilage surgery.

“But having everyone else fit and available is a major bonus and I’m confident we possess the capability for a strong finish to the season."

The reward for overcoming Saltcoats is a trip to face Super First Division promotion contenders Cambuslang Rangers which if negotiated would land the holders with a quarter-final tie at home to either Irvine Meadow or Hurlford United.

The Ayrshire rivals lock horns tomorrow in what promises to be a close-fought encounter with Scottish Junior Cup finalists Ford favoured to come out on top after hitting the heights with an impressive 4-1 midweek defeat of Kilbirnie Ladeside.

Maryhill await the visit of Rob Roy whose experienced goalkeeper Stevie McNeil has been ruled out for the season after suffering a horrific knee cap injury against Kilwinning Rangers last Wednesday night which caused their Guys Meadow game to be abandoned.

Troon take on an Auchinleck side still in the hunt for all three major trophies,while arguably the day’s top West Cup tie goes ahead at Holm Park where Clydebank lock horns with last season’s beaten West finalists Cumnock.