BEITH boss Johnny Millar has rubbished claims his players’ heads might be down ahead of tonight’s Evening Times Champions Cup Final against Petershill.

The agonising manner of his side’s defeat by Hurlford United in the New Coin Holdings Cup Final on Wednesday night – losing on penalties following a 2-2 regulation time draw – was undoubtedly a sore one to take however Millar is adamant his playing charges will draw strength from their performance at Meadow Park.

He said: "I think it’s fair to say we would have good cause to be on a downer if the Hurlford game had finished at half-time because we were nothing short of dire in the opening 45 minutes and Hurlford deserved to be 2-0 up.

“But the guys came back out after the half-time break to totally dominate and we scored twice but probably should have scored more but for the woodwork, bad luck and their goalkeeper Ally Brown pulling off a string of superb saves.

“There was only one team in it and I was immensely proud of my players battling back like they did considering our recent exhausting programme of games but you also have to hand it to Hurlford for resisting all our best efforts and there are no complaints from us over the outcome.

“Finishing the game so strongly has the guys in good spirits going to Tinto Park tonight and I don’t see me needing to lift them for this final game of the Junior season.

“The occasion, our supporters and their own burning desire to finish as winners will see to that.”

Beith’s only other appearance in the showpiece Final resulted in a 2-1 defeat at the hands of a Dougie Imrie inspired Lanark United in 2005 and Millar (a winner with Arthurlie) is determined to steer them to a first ever success however a healthy respect for opponents Petershill has him refusing to take victory for granted.

He said: “We played them in a friendly match in early May and ran out 3-1 winners but both sides fielded fringe players and a mix of trialists so not a lot can be taken from the actual result.

“But what was obvious for all to see was they have top-quality players in Jordan Murch, Alex Cassells and their goalkeeper John Gibson.

“They also have a striker in Chrissy Hall who can be a real handful when on his game and it’s essential we keep him well away from our penalty box where his close control and eye for a goal poses a real threat.

“They came top of their league by a country mile and will approach tomorrow night’s game fully rested and fresh in total contrast to our players but it remains to be seen whether that is a plus point in their favour or not.

“Petershill teams are always difficult to play against and I don‘t see that changing any time soon.”

Word on the Mighty team front is that Kevin McDonald and Thomas Collins will be missing from Wednesday night’s starting line-up while injury is set to rule out Ross “Archie” McPherson and open the door for veteran Kenny McLean to figure in a two-pronged strikeforce alongside his long-time strike partner Andy Reid.

Millar refused to confirm his selection hand but did say: "Kevin McDonald’s absence is covered by the return of big Mark McLaughlin and I’m confident of putting out a strong Beith side even if our substitutes bench will be a bit threadbare.”

Set to lead out the Ayrshiremen is skipper John Sheridan who played his first 90 minutes in two weeks against Hurlford after being sidelined with a calf muscle injury.

The big stopper admitted: “I picked up the injury as a result of playing three games in a week but there was no reaction to coming back on Wednesday and I’m keen to play against Petershill not least because the Evening Times Cup is the one trophy prize that I have never won in my 19 years as a Junior player.

“I played in the competition with Neilston and with Beith but lost on both occasions so I’ll maybe never get a better chance to fill the blank in my medal collection."

Shez who works as a driving instructor has a high regard for Peasy counterpart Jordan Murch whom he recalls from a 2010 Bellsdale playing stint.

He said: “Murchy is a tidy and very energetic midfielder who came here when Martin McGarvey and Brian McKeown were our engine room pair and he struggled to hold down a regular place as a result and ended up moving away.

“He's a good learner – I taught him to drive – and he picked up from playing and training alongside Garv and Sniffer to become one of the best midfielders going the rounds and will no doubt be fired up to do well against us.

“He was never one for taking a backward step so I fancy the coin toss tonight could be one of the most competitive ever.”

The 39-year-old has no intentions of hanging up the boots aka centre-back partner McLaughlin and has already signed a new contract for next season.

He added: “I’m feeling fit and if I can just stay clear of injuries then don’t rule me (and Beith) out of the Evening Times Cup Final next season.”

PLAYING TONIGHT: (Kick Offs 7.0PM): Evening Times Champions Cup Final.Petershill v Beith (Tinto Park).