ARTHURLIE and Shotts are being urged to re- capture their outstanding early-season form ahead of tonight's Central District Sectional League Cup Final.

The Lochburn Park showdown can hardly be described as a meeting of two sides at the top of their game, given that both have seemingly hit the buffers after semi-final victories over Renfrew and Ashfield respectively.

The Barrhead side have crashed to four defeats on the trot, while Shotts' 5-0 weekend rout of Girvan saw Dunky Sinclair's troops rack up their only victory in the past month.

Desperate to see an end to his side's miserable run of results is Arthurlie gaffer Mark Cameron (pictured right).

He said: "Killing two birds with one stone by getting hold of the silverware and rediscovering our best form has to be our aim tonight.

"Are we setting our sights too high? Not really when you consider all the players who started off the season so well are still with us.

"We know results have not been happening for us, however we've played good football in some of our recent games without enjoying any luck.

"So, even though it's a cup final, maybe we just need to relax and the breaks will come."

Lie coach Sammy Johnston took in Shotts' excellent display against Girvan and he has briefed Branco to expect a testing 90 minutes.

Cameron added: "Shotts are a good side with several quality players in their line-up who are more than capable of hurting us.

"Getting the better of them is a big ask but, if we can just get away to a good start, then who knows?"

Very much in Branco's selection thoughts are a trio of players previously written off as having no chance of featuring in the showpiece occasion - midfielder Davie Williams and centre-back pair David Craig and Craig Higgins.

"Craig has the plaster off his broken arm now and is pushing hard for a jersey while the two Davids are working their socks off at training to prove they are ready.

"We'd have liked them to get more games under their belts so it was disappointing that our weekend meeting with Glenafton was rained off particularly as we never played the previous Saturday either.

"Some people might think it ideal to have the chance to rest players ahead of the final but nothing could be further from the truth."

Meanwhile, a smile is back on the face of Shotts boss Sinky after John Goodwin's hat-trick, allied to counters by Brian Jack and Kevin Barr, brought a welcome return to winning ways.

He said: "Saturday was a real morale-booster and, if I'm being honest, the scoreline did not flatter us in the slightest.

"We played some terrific stuff and the players showed a hunger and desire that only bodes well for facing the likes of Arthurlie.

"Getting back into the Super Premier has to be this club's No.1 target, however tonight we will put all thoughts of promotion on the back burner and put everything into getting our hands on the first trophy of the season.

"Supporters deserve nothing less after our relegation last term and we also need to give it our best shot for those lads in the team who will be appearing in a first-ever cup final at Junior level."

Sinky, boasting a Sectional League Cup winner's medal from his playing days at Lesmahagow is further motivated in seeking to lift the trophy as a manager.

"It will be a whole new experience for me to lead out a cup final team and it's one I'm looking forward to," he admitted.

"Arthurlie are a big, strong side, and possibly as tough an opponent as we could have faced, but it's up to my lads to go out and make things happen rather than let them happen to us."

The Hannah Park boss has a full complement of 23 players to choose from, inclusive of player/assistant boss and former Arthurlie signing Stephen McNulty as well as Mark McKeever.

Added Sinky: "Obviously there will be a few disappointed faces come kick-off time, but my only concern is in picking a team to win this final.

"Nults only dropped out of the team because of a recent bout of flu, so he's in with a shout of making our line-up, however nothing is going to be decided until we get up to Lochburn."

(2pm unles stated)

TONIGHT: Central District League Cup Final: Arthurlie v Shotts (7.45 Lochburn Park).

SATURDAY: Scottish Junior Cup. First round: Dundee East Craigie v Pollok, Larkhall v Royal Albert, Auchinleck v Nairn St Ninian's, East Kilbride v Whitburn, Dalry v Dunbar, Livingston v Bonnyrigg, Stonehouse v Kilbirnie, Whitletts v Blantyre Vics (all 3pm).

First round replays: Lochore v Glencairn, Hill O'Beath v Beith, Broxburn v Downfield, Broughty v Tayport, Crossgates v Blairgowrie, Cumbernauld v Buchanhaven Hearts, Shettleston v Renfrew (all 2.30pm).

New Coin Automatics West of Scotland Cup. First round: Irvine Vics v Hurlford.

Stagecoach Super Premier: Vale of Clyde v Bellshill, Cumnock v Arthurlie, Glenafton v Irvine Meadow, Neilston v Rob Roy.

Super First: Kilwinning v Port Glasgow, Maybole v Largs, Lanark v Kilsyth, Girvan v Annbank, Shotts v Clydebank.

Central First: Benburb v Maryhill, Vale of Leven v Thorniewood, Johnstone Burgh v Lesmahagow, St Anthony's v Cambuslang, Yoker v Ashfield.

Central Second: Carluke v St Roch's, Newmains v Perthshire, Forth v Dunipace, Greenock v Wishaw.

Ayrshire Division: Darvel v Saltcoats, Muirkirk v Kello, Craigmark v Winton Rovers, Ardeer v Troon.