AMID all the fuss surrounding Pollok’s rise to third place in the Premiership table after three consecutive league victories, it is easy to overlook how Glenafton have come to the fore with an unbeaten run of their own.

The New Cumnock outfit now sit fourth, a mere two points adrift of their Glasgow rivals, after inflicting a first league defeat of the season on Auchinleck Talbot last weekend. The manner of his side’s 1-0 triumph had Glens boss Craig McEwan excited about Pollok’s visit to Loch Park tomorrow afternoon.

Southy admitted, “Auchinleck are still the benchmark for the rest of us so to beat them in their own backyard and despite the added handicap of going down to 10 men for the closing half hour [Alan Cairns picked up two yellow cards] is a phenomenal result, he said. “With 20 minutes to go I’d have gladly taken a draw but the guys have shown real character to take all three points as well as two distinct sides to their game.

“First half we went at Talbot and could have been three goals to the good whereas after Alan’s sending off, we sat much deeper and defended our penalty box with a real dogged resistance.

“Deep down I believe the title is Hurlford United’s to lose following their quite remarkable winning start to the season but last Saturday’s win keeps us in the hunt and in a position to close the gap if they suffer any slip-ups.

“The chance to make up some ground presents itself tomorrow with a home game against an in-form Pollok and it’s one we must look to grab with both hands.”

The 41-year-old Glens boss has this week been linked with the managerial vacancy at one of his former Senior clubs, Dumbarton, but he batted away any probing questions.

“Look, if my name has been mentioned then it’s flattering but I take all these rumours with a pinch of salt and I can do without the added distraction ahead of one of our most important games of the season. Pollok's results of late have them on the up and the return of Gary McCann on the wing added to David Gormley showing signs of his old self, marks them out as one of the leading title contenders.

“We have strengthened our squad with Daniel Orsi returning from Kilsyth Rangers as well as the signing of Dean Hawkshaw who this time last year was playing in the SPL with Kilmarnock, and I just feel our midfield has a better balance.

“Another new recruit is striker Kit Cummings, whose work commitments have severely curtailed his appearances but once fit, he will give us something extra.”

In other top-flight contests, second-top Clydebank will be going all out to reduce Hurlford’s lead to single figures with a victory away to strugglers Renfrew, while an opportunity for revenge beckons for Cumnock in hosting the visit of reigning champions Beith who ran out 6-0 winners when they were last down at Townhead Park.

Nock marksman Scott Anson said: “Nothing went right for us that day and memories of the pasting we took still hurts. Getting our own back would put the smiles back on our faces after losing to Rob Roy last week but we are expecting a tough 90 minutes as Beith have lost two games on the spin and will be every bit as determined as ourselves to get back to winning ways."

Meanwhile, Cumnock have released one-time Rangers midfielder Scott Hadden who had disappointed a number of clubs when signing from East Kilbride Thistle this season.

Playing tomorrow (ko: 2pm), McBookie.com Super Premiership: Largs Thistle v Cambuslang Rangers, Renfrew v Clydebank, Petershill v Rob Roy, Troon v Irvine Meadow, Glenafton v Pollok, Kilbirnie Ladeside v Kilwinning Rangers, Cumnock v Beith McBookie.com Championship: Arthurlie v Dalry Thistle, Darvel v Kello Rovers, Kilsyth Rangers v Larkhall Thistle, Neilston v Benburb, Girvan v Rossvale, Cumbernauld Utd v Craigmark, Rutherglen Glencairn v Irvine Vics, Whitletts Vics v St Rochs. McBookie.com League One: Wishaw v Greenock, Gartcairn v Yoker Athletic, Glasgow Perthshire v Shotts Bon Accord, Maryhill v Ardrossan Winton Rovers, Blantyre Vics v East Kilbride Thistle, Shettleston v Lugar Boswell, Port Glasgow v Maybole, Bellshill Athletic v Royal Albert McBookie.com League Two: Annbank Utd v Newmains Utd, Ardeer Thistle v Vale of Clyde,Muirkirk v Vale of Leven, Ashfield v Saltcoats Vics, Lanark Utd v Forth Wanderers, St Anthonys v Johnstone Burgh, Carluke Rovers v Thorniewood Utd

Sunday, October 14 (Newlandsfield 1.30pm), Sectional League Cup Final: Auchinleck Talbot v Lesmahagow.