STEVIE EASTON'S Petershill line-up for tonight's opening Sectional League Cup visit of Shettleston could include newcomers John-Paul Craig and brothers Kevin and Paul McBride.

There could also be a place in Easty's starting eleven for ex-Partick Thistle defender James McKinstry - a Peasy trialist in recent outings.

And don't rule out a shock return for the homes side's former defensive cornerstone Ryan Jordan, whose departure from Springburn on a costly transfer to Irvine Meadow two years ago proved disastrous for his career and led to the Govan-based ace moving on to Ardeer, Bellshill and current employers East Kilbride.

Terracing drums reckon a deal is close to being struck that will restore Jordan to the heart of Petershill's defence, even though both clubs are still some way apart in their respective valuations of the one-time Scotland stopper.

The other Section 4 clash has Thorniewood facing the possibility of lining up against St Roch's WITHOUT a recognised goalkeeper.

United, on the back of a stirring 4-1 friendly win over Super Premier new boys Lanark United, would have been looking to begin their campaign with maximum points on home territory.

However, experienced midfielder John Fallon said: "We had the misfortune to lose both our keepers from last season during the summer because of Simon Hunter emigrating to Thailand and then Graham Murphy getting posted overseas with the Royal Marines.

"Initially it was felt there was no need to panic as we had several replacements in mind but, one by one, they have all gone by the wayside and the final straw came when Kevin Budinackaus, who we had been reasonably confident of getting on board, decided to sign for Larkhall Thistle.

"It leaves us with a race against time to fix up a keeper, but hopefully my dad boss John Fallon senior can call in a favour because the alternative isn't worth thinking about."

East Kilbride are involved in the ultra-competitive Section 4 and face a tough opener at Somervell Park against a much-changed Cambuslang.

An extra lashing or two of spice will be added to this clash if a starting nod is given to ex-Thistle midfielder Alan McRae, who made a somewhat acrimonious departure from Show Park last season.

The other Section 4 affair has all the makings of a cracking contest with Vale of Clyde awaiting the visit of Rutherglen Glencairn to Fullarton Park.

Looking forward to going up against erstwhile team-mates is Vale's recently signed midfield playmaker Joe Hayes, whose engine-room partnership alongside Thomas Sinclair and another newcomer Andy Kenna, will need to be at their best to create openings for in-form striking pair Derek Anderson and Aldo Mackin.

A daunting managerial debut beckons for Tin Pail's John Crooks unless he can quell the burning desire to do well nursed by three of his former Tollcross charges now in the visiting camp - Paul McLaughlin, Paul Thomson and Steven Kerr.

Glens boss Scott Smith said: "It is never easy going back to play against your old club for the first time and I'm sure there will be a lot of verbals. However, the key is to react in the best possible way by sticking the ball in the net."

The old boys network will be similarly in eveidence at Holm Park where Clydebank take on a visiting Maryhill side set to field as many as five ex-Bankies headed up by new team skipper John Cunningham. Tragic blow means false start in Cup for Cumnock

By Jim O'Donnell CUMNOCK'S Ardagh Glass Cup matches against Kello Rovers and Glenafton have been postponed following the tragic death of goalkeeper Graham Potter.

Players, staff and fans of the Ayrshire club are still devastated by the sudden loss of the popular stopper on a pre-season trip to the north of England last week.

In the Cup's other fixtures, Ardeer Thistle are at home to Cup holders Irvine Meadow, while last season's beaten finalists Lugar Boswell are at home start to Muirkirk.

Hurlford United will be hoping their investment in ex-Kilsyth Rangers frontman Andy Thomson will be repaid when Darvel visit Blair Park.

Yet another new boy Chris Wozencroft, is also tipped to figure for Kilwinning Rangers at home to Dalry Thistle.

Auchinleck, without several top men, may have too much for a weakened Glenafton.

Top billing in the Ardagh goes to the meeting of Super Premier pair Largs Thistle and Beith at Barrfields. TONIGHT'S FIXTURES

(Kick-offs 7.15pm) Central Sectional League Cup. Section 1: Lesmahagow v Lanark , Larkhall v Royal Albert.

Section 2: Shotts v Forth, Newmains Utd v Wishaw.

Section 3: Thorniewood v St Roch's, Petershill v Shettleston.

Section 4: Cambuslang v East Kilbride, Vale of Clyde v Glencairn.

Section 5: Benburb v Neilston, St Anthony's v Pollok.

Section 6: Clydebank v Maryhill, Perthshire v Yoker.

Section 7: Greenock v Port Glasgow, Vale of Leven v Renfrew.

Ardagh Glass Cup. Section 1: Winton Rovers v Beith, Kilwinning v Dalry, Largs v Kilbirnie.

Section 2: Ardeer v Irvine Meadow, Hurlford v Darvel, Irvine Vics v Saltcoats.

Section 3: Annbank Utd v Craigmark, Girvan v Maybole, Troon v Whitletts.

Section 4: Auchinleck v Glenafton, Cumnock v Kello (OFF), Lugar v Muirkirk.