AS the telly advert would say, it's not just any three league points that are on offer when arch rivals Arthurlie and Pollok clash tomorrow.

No way, and supporters on both sides of the fence are well aware the game is a must-win for their clubs' Super Premier title ambitions.

Defeat would be fatal, and a draw regarded in much the same light. And the reason is front-runners Auchinleck are proving a model of consistency in relentlessly homing in on a second successive title.

They are already only 10 points adrift of last season's winning total with nine games still to play - six of them at their Beechwood Park fortress.

It's inconceivable Tommy Sloan's men will experience many trip-ups on the run-in, so the pressure is stacking up on the chasing pack of Cumnock, Shotts, Arthurlie and Pollok to stay in the hunt.

Hence the reason tomorrow's Dunterlie clash is set to be spiced with several added lashings of the passion, drama and excitement which normally goes hand-in-hand with these derby occasions.

Bragging rights are up for grabs as the score stands at 1-1 in previous showdowns this season - Rab Sneddon's side winning a five-goal League Cup thriller on their last visit to Barrhead, but 10 days later going down 2-1 at home in a Super Premier opener.

Arthurlie inflicting a first defeat of the season certainly acted to knock the wind out of the high-flying Lok's sails, and a further nine early-season league points were disastrously dropped before they got their act together to reel off five straight wins and rocket up to fifth top - a mere point behind their adversaries.

By comparison, the Barrhead cracks have leaked five points during the same period - all against Cumnock - but gaffer Gary Faulds reckons the form book should not be taken as a pointer.

He said: "As far as I'm concerned, the players have looked the part other than failing to stick away some of the chances we're creating.

"I'd be happier if we were scoring more goals, but our defence staying tight as a drum is every bit as vital if we are to close the gap on Talbot."

A knee-ligament injury rules out the home side's buzzbomb striker Alan McFadden, and ex-Maryhill midfielder Davie Williams is rated doubtful, although influential skipper Roland Fabiani is in contention for a jersey after serving a three-match ban.

His defensive prowess and experience could be key weapons to help blunt the threat of Lok's Brian Dingwall and Alan Waddell.

Indeed, leading marksman Dingy's shoot-out with his former striking partner Joe Andrew, who tops the Lie scoring charts, is a tantalising prospect for ex-Maryhill team-mate and current Barrhead ball-winner, Martin Hughes.

Hughes insisted: "Purely for selfish reasons, I want Joe to emerge as top gun. The one thing both have in common is an ability to punish defenders for any lapses."

Pollok midfield duo Andy McLay and Raymond Logan have declared themselves fit, although Sneddon is giving little away team-wise.

He said: "It's a nice change to have a fully fit squad, but I feel it's best to keep players on their toes until nearer kick-off."

With next weekend's Scottish Cup fourth-round ties looming, a safety first approach could see this finish as a stalemate.