HIGH-flying Irvine Meadow can soar into spot in the McBookie Premiership on Saturday if they defeat leaders Pollok in an intriguing top-of-the-table clash.

But manager Brian McGinty insist it’s the visitors who need a result following their weekend defeat against Auchinleck Talbot.

Former Meadow assistant boss Murdie Mackinnon brings the Newlandsfield Park team to Irvine for the match of the day in the West.

Medda go in to the showdown on the back of a hard-earned 1-0 win away to Rutherglen Glencairn.

McGinty said: “That was a big win for us but we had to do that after going away to Hurlford and picking up a victory.

“I knew it wouldn’t be easy as they’re fighting for their lives, but it was a good goal from Reece Pearson, who has been doing well.”

The Meadow gaffer is relishing the weekend match but insists expectations will be high among the visiting fans and the spotlight will be on Pollok.

He said: “Pollok have a budget which is four times what we have at Irvine Meadow so they will be expected to win the match. The pressure will be on them to get a result after they lost to Talbot.

“If we don’t win then people won’t be surprised. “

However the boss insists his team are raring to go in what will be one of their biggest tests.

He said: “If everyone plays at their best then we have a chance of winning the game and we must aim to pick up the three points.

“Hopefully we will have a good crowd and the fans will get behind us.”

Medda, meanwhile, can look forward to a repeat of their 2006 Scottish Junior Cup semi-final when they face East Coast side Bathgate Thistle away in the third round on Saturday, October 27.

They lost in extra-time at Firhill 13 years ago and will be looking to reverse the result.”

The boss said: “Obviously we would much rather have had a home tie and Bathgate are possibly not the side they were. But we will treat the game just like we would one against Auchinleck Talbot and our aim is to win the Scottish Cup, so hopefully we can get through.”