THE most challenging of seasons arguably awaits yet Auchinleck Talbot skipper Willie Lyle has not endured any sleepless nights in the run-up to  the Ayrshire club’s first ever WoSFL league match.

He readily acknowledges Clydebank will provide the stiffest of opposition in this afternoon’s  eagerly awaited Premier Division game of the day however that won’t stop  seasoned campaigner Lyle from having a spring in his step ahead of leading out his team mates for the  Beechwood Park head to head.

But perhaps that comes natural when you have held the championship silverware aloft in six of your previous nine seasons and feel reasonably confident “the bricks are in place” for going all the way again.

“A lot of changes have taken place yet not a lot has actually changed if you get my drift ” reasoned the 37 year old.

He added , “Starting away with the playing of league matches every Saturday and Wednesday until near enough the end of August is something different and I can fully understand why some people are saying the lengthy Covid-19  sabbaticals (18 months in our case) has left every team on a level footing now

“Yet it’s pleasing and no less comforting from our perspective to think we have held onto pretty much the same group of players who have been over a title race course before and know what’s needed to be first over the finishing line.

“Admittedly, our dressing room has lost two key players in Gordon Pope and Dwayne Hyslop (both retired ) who have been instrumental to Talbot’s successes down through the years but  replacements for them , if needed, are waiting  in the wings for their opportunity to impress.

“I say if needed because big Peewee (Hyslop) might yet be convinced to give us another season seeing as this will be his tenth if he did return and would make him deserving of a testimonial match for his great service .”

Doubts hang over the availability of the Wilson brothers Graham and Stevie , for today’s contest against the Bankies however it’s an indication of the attacking riches at manager Tommy Sloan’s disposal that he can still call upon the formidable array of Bryan Boylan, Jamie Glasgow, Mark Shankland and Keir Samson.

In quietly determined tones Lyle insisted, “There’s goals in our team irrespective of what combinations Tucker chooses and I’m just glad to be on the same side as our front guys rather than trying to keep them quiet.

“Add Gee to that mix and you have plenty of reasons for believing Talbot will not be all that far away when the prizes are being dished out.

”And if becoming the first WoSFL title winners isn’t motivation enough then hopefully the desire not to let down our supporters will do the trick.”

First of the WoSFL number to be tasked with curbing the Ayrshire outfit’s attacking threat is Clydebank whose manager Gordon Moffat was in belligerent mood last night .

He said , “It’s a tough  starter, probably the toughest of them all, but my  players will be going to Beechwood looking to win the game.

“Auchinleck have their strengths and weak points just as we have and it is not necessary to tell our guys that Saturday’s game will be decided by which team plays better  on the day.” 

The Bankies running out 2-0 winners over Dalbeattie Star in their final pre-season friendly match last weekend had Moff insisting: “We fully deserved our win but the overall performance was below par and not as convincing as our previous outings.

“Having 6/7 players posted missing with a combination of knocks and niggles undoubtedly had an effect so here’s hoping we have everyone back fit for this week.”

Firmly of the opinion, Auchinleck are the team to beat is Kilwinning Rangers gaffer Chris Strain whose own side, Clydebank,  Darvel and Pollok are considered by bookmakers to be the leading title challengers.

The Buffs await the visit of Troon whom they bested 4-0 in a pre-season contest however Strainy insists that outcome will have no bearing on today’s meeting.

He revealed: “A lot of breaks went our way when the teams last faced each other and my players were a couple of weeks further on in terms of preparation.

“I expect matters to be hard fought not least of all because Troon’s line-up is certain to include three of our former players Sam McCloskey, Tommy Maitland and Dean Fulton who will understandably be extra-fired up to do well coming back here.”

On the movements front ,Largs Thistle’s latest  full back signing, Jamie Ballantyne, formerly of Benburb  and Annan Athletic ,is in line for his competitive debut today when the Seasiders host the visit to Barrfields of Rutherglen Glencairn while Pollok newcomer Matty Grant is thought a likely starter when Blantyre Vics come through to Newlandsfield.

Meanwhile, supporters hoping to take in the Premier Division clash of Darvel v Bonnyton Thistle should note the game has been switched to Portland Park in Troon while yet another enforced venue change has Conference League C pair East Kilbride Thistle and Glasgow Perthshire locking horns at the John Cummings Stadium out in Carluke, due to ongoing drainage works at the Show Park.

The Jags had initially hoped to play their league opener at the K Stadium (home of Lowland League outfit East Kilbride F.C) however this switch also necessitated moving to a 12 Noon kick off time which was not to the visiting Shire’s liking.

And there will be no playing action at McKenna Park where the League C meeting of St Anthonys and Kilsyth Rangers has been postponed due to `unforeseen circumstances`.

PLAYING TODAY: (Kick Offs 2PM):P.D.M Buildbase Premier League. Auchinleck Talbot v Clydebank, Cumbernauld Utd v Rossvale, Largs Thistle v Rutherglen Glencairn, Kilwinning Rangers v Troon, Hurlford Utd v Kilbirnie Ladeside, Pollok v Blantyre Vics, Darvel v Bonnyton Thistle, Benburb v Rob Roy, Cumnock v Beith,Irvine Meadow v Glenafton. PDM Buildbase Conference League A.Maryhill v Bellshill Athletic, Girvan v Craigmark, Muirkirk v Johnstone Burgh, Irvine Vics v Whitletts Vics , Arthurlie v Glasgow University, Saltcoats Vics v Lugar Boswell, Forth Wanderers v Shotts Bon Accord, Lesmahagow v Maybole. PDM Buildbase Conference League B. Cambuslang Rangers v St Cadocs, Ashfield v Glasgow Utd, Dalry Thistle v Kello Rovers, Newmains Utd v Gartcairn, Renfrew v Royal Albert, Greenock v Port Glasgow, Ardeer Thistle v Thorniewood Utd.

PDM Buildbase Conference League C. Vale of Clyde v St Rochs , Neilston v Wishaw, Petershill v Drumchapel Utd,

Lanark Utd v Larkhall Thistle , East Kilbride Thistle v Glasgow Perthshire, Ardrossan  Winton Rovers v Vale of Leven. PDM Buildbase Division Four.Glenvale v Harmony Row, Campbeltown Pupils v Kilsyth Athletic, Harthill Royal v Finnart, BSC Glasgow v St Peters.