Maybole set for big cup pay day

Carlo Walker insists there is no pressure on his Maybole side as they get set to host Kilbirnie in the Ayrshire Cup.

The Ayrshire League side will host the consistent Premier Division team at Ladywell Stadium tonight ( Wednesday) as they bid to cause a huge upset.

Walker said: “The lack of pressure on us might actually help.

“The past few games have been ‘ must win’, wheras this game against Kilbirnie is a bit more relaxed for us.

“The old saying goes - is it possible? Yes. Is it probable? No.

But theyare travelling quite a distance and some of their team might struggle getting here on time because of work.”

Ma y b o l e h av e f o u r ga m e s remaining in the Ayrshire League, with all the home fixtures being played already.

That means if Walker’s side lose against Kilbirnie they will have no more home gates for the rest of the season.

He said: “You make a bit of money on a Wednesday night, so that’s what we need for the club.”

Maybole will then host WHITLETTS on Saturday on league duty.

AUCHINLECK will host ARDEER in the Ayrshire Cup tonight ( Wednesday) as they look to build on their cup form.

Tommy Sloan’s side will then host strugglers Arthurlie on Saturday before a Junior Cup final preview with HURLFORD at Blair Park on Monday.

Hurlford drew 1- 1 with Cumnock on Monday, as a first half Callum Watt strike was cancelled out by a Paul Burns equaliser in the second half.

Before the Auchinleck match, Ford take on LARGS in the Ayrshire Cup tonight, and then head up to KILBIRNIE in a West of Scotland Cup second round clash.

Peter Leonard will take his CUMNOCK side down the A77 to face GIRVAN.

It will be Leonard’s first time back at Hamilton Park since he left earlier this season.

Speaking ahead of the clash he said: “It will be a strange feeling being back.

“It’s a very nice club and there’s great people associated with the club.

“I know a lot of the boys still playing for them and I have a lot of respect for everyone there.”

Cumnock beat local rivals GLENAFTON on 2- 0 on Saturday, as a brace from Scott Anson put the sword to the New Cumnock men.

Glenafton will host title chasers

BEITH on Saturday as Craig McEwan’s side look to get back in contention to retain their Premier Division

crown.

TROON kept their promotion hopes alive by winning 3- 1 away to Cambuslang.

A first half strike from former Kilmarnock defender David Syme followed by second half goals from striker Mark Curragh and captain Dean Keenan were enough for the Portland Parkers.

And Jimmy Kirkwood’s side will host Cumbernauld on Saturday.

ANNBANK fell to a 9- 1 defeat to Irvine Vics on Monday night, and will look to get back on track as they host SALTCOATS on Saturday. They will then take on promotion chasers

LUGAR on Monday night.

And Lugar will have a tough job on Saturday hosting Dalry, after playing Saltcoats tonight.

CRAIGMARK will look to build on their 2- 0 win at home to Ardeer and close the gap on league leaders Irvine Vics as they travel to Winton on Saturday.

MUIRKIRK host Irvine Vics on Saturday after their game against Ardeer being called off.