Colin Spence reckons Irvine Meadow will be walking into the lion’s den when they face Kilbirnie Ladeside at Valefield Park tomorrow.
The Medda co-boss expects his side to be tested to the max by the rejuvenated Blasties in the WoSFL Premier Division clash.
Third bottom Kilbirnie have started to pick up points under new managers Thomas Molloy and Shaun Dillon and go into the match fresh from a 3-1 win at Largs.
Spence, who watched his side beat Troon with two late goals on Saturday, said: “Kilbirnie seem to have got that new manager lift.
“They’ve responded well with some good results and I’ve no doubt we’ll be going into the lion’s den on Saturday.
“On the flip side, we’ve been outstanding on the road and we can go there with some confidence.”
Spence admits his side will have to wary of striker Brendan Sharpe who joined Ladeside from Meadow in the summer.
Sharpe scored and was named man-of-the match against Largs and Spence knows all about his qualities.
He added: "Brendan was one we wanted to keep so we'll have to keep a close eye on him."
Meanwhile, Spence has revealed the reasons behind promising young striker Brian Connor’s shock departure to Johnstone Burgh.
He said: “Brian doesn’t drive and he got a new job that made it really difficult for him to get down to Irvine for training.
"He's more local to Johnstone and we wouldn’t stand in his way in the circumstances. He's been excellent for us since he came in and will be a big loss.”
In other squad news, back-up goalkeeper David Markey has joined Girvan on loan to get some vital game time.
U20s keeper Adam McLean will now step up to the senior squad on matchdays to provide cover for No 1 Marc Waters.
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