LANARK midfield ace Paul Burns hopes United can take their outstanding cup form into Saturday's must-win league clash against Glasgow Perthshire.

The Yowes again confounded their District League status last weekend with a 2-0 Whyte and Mackay win over Super League Larkhall through goals from Tom Hanlon and Iain Smith.

However, Burns is concerned his First Division outfit's cup heroics may derail the club's promotion aspirations.

A cocktail of postponements, replays, and a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Roy Roy has seen Lanark fail to pick up any league points in three months.

Burns, a First Division title-winner at Cambuslang back in 2004, said: "We're enjoying our cup run, especially when you see how much it means to our fans. But there's no escaping the fact it is proving a bit of a distraction to our chances of going up this season.

"Promotion is our No.1 aim, yet, through no fault of our own, we are currently a lot closer to dropping down a division than stepping up one.

"That's why getting down to the bread and butter of league points is a must.

"They deservedly beat us 1-0 at our place when we gave a shocking performance, so it would be nice to redress the balance."

Set to bounce back for Lanark's trip to Keppoch Park is influential skipper Craig Stark.

He made a 20-minute subs' appearance at Larkhall after a lengthy absence, and his return is a boost ahead of next week's Scottish Junior Cup head-to-head with East Kilbride.

Moorpark boss Tom McDonald said: "Having a fully fit Starky back is great news, but he will only feature against Shire if we consider his presence will help us get the points.

"This is every bit as massive a game as our cup tie."

Front-running Rob Roy host the rejuvenated Cambuslang, with added spice provided by Wee Gers team-mates John Richardson and Alan Wardlaw locking horns as managers.

Even with home advantage, title contenders Cumbernauld will not feel overly confident taking on St Anthony's, who are our for a third successive win.

Senior scouts will cast their eye over promising Ants striker Jamie Docherty, whose scoring exploits have helped bring about an upsurge in form.

Second-top Clydebank await the visit of bottom markers Vale of Leven, although Bankies boss Budgie McGhie warned: "The Vale are on a bad run, but a local derby will fire them up.

"I know for certain that two of our former players, Brian Harkin and Paul Halpin, will be out to put one over on us."

The Bankies warmed up for Saturday's showdown with a 2-1 friendly win over Shettleston.

He said: "Results in these games are meaningless as the real point of the exercise was to give a number of players some much-needed match practice, but it was a worthwhile run-out."

McGhie also confirmed the permanent signing of keeper Stefan Gonet, previously on loan from Morton.

Other Senior clubs were linked with signing approaches for the highly-rated keeper, but he decided to pledge his immediate future to the Junior side.

Auchinleck have transfer listed midfielder Colin Spence at his own request. Ex-Ton stopper Joe chosen to grasp Thistle

EX-MORTON and Chelsea stopper Joe McLaughlin has emerged as the front-runner to land the vacant Largs manager's job.

It's understood Thistle officials considered former players Colin Lindsay and Tommy Turner before plumping for McLaughlin, who will be bringing in experienced Junior hand George Wall and ex-Ton coach Eddie Alford to form his backroom team.

An official announcement is expected from the Ayrshire club before this weekend's long trek to meet Lesmahagow.

One player the new team will not have at their disposal is front man Derek Rhodden, who was transferred to Beith, where he teams up again with his former Arthurlie gaffer Frank Lynch. This ends an unfortunate spell at Largs, where injuries saw him play just two games.

Another departure is one-time Pollok defender Kevin Fraser, who wants a club nearer to Glasgow.

Further departures may see Willie Armour head for Johnstone, who are also interested in up-for-sale stopper Neil Shearer.