HOLDERS Beith face the "toughest possible" test when they go head-to-head with former winners Auchinleck Talbot in the Junior game's showpiece event.

That is the warning from boss Johnny Millar as the two Ayrshire rivals face off in the fourth round of the Scottish Junior Cup at Bellsdale Park on Saturday.

Although the Garnock Valley side ran out 3-0 winners when they went head-to-head with the league champions in the opening round of the William Hill Scottish Cup at Beechwood Park in September, the manager says that will count for nothing.

However he feels their home form will stand them in good stead.

Beith on Saturday chalked up their sixth win out of nine in the Super Premier Division when they defeated Largs Thistle 1-0 at Barrfields Park.

Millar told Sportscene on Monday: "It was good to take three points on Saturday but it wasn't a great performance and we will have to play better at the weekend.

"We look forward to Saturday but it's the toughest tie possible as Talbot are still the benchmark in Junior Football. Although we beat them in the senior cup that counts for nothing. This is a different game. But won't give up the Scottish Cup easily, we want to hold on to it."

Added Millar: "Our home form has been good. We are unbeaten at Bellsdale since last May, apart from the senior cup defeat against Morton and we will be looking to go through."

Nicky Docherty is set to miss the match with a knee-injury but everyone else is available for selection.

Meanwhile favourite wideman Dean Agnew has left Kilwinning Rangers for Hurlford United in a swop deal which saw Darren Moffat move to Abbey Park.

This week Agnew, who enjoyed three seasons with Buffs thanked supporters for their backing.

The former Stranraer man said: "The fans were great and I appreciated their support, they were so welcoming to me. It was a great three years at the Buffs. The highlight was reaching the Scottish Cup semi-final last year. But maybe this is the best thing for me."

Buffs boss Chris Strain said of the deal: "To be honest Dean hasn't been playing as well as he can this season and it suited both parties. Maybe a fresh start is the best thing for him. We are pleased to have Darren on board. He is direct and has a lot of pace."

Strain was disappointed with Saturday's 2-1 home defeat against Arthurlie which kept them bottom of the Super First Division.

But he welcomes a change in routine this weekend as Buffs head to the Capital to face Edinburgh United in the fourth round of the Scottish Junior Cup.

He said: "It was a disappointing result and things just aren't going for us

Looking ahead he said: "We look forward to the cup tie. Make no bones about it, I expect us to progress. But there have been upsets in the cup before so we will not be complacent."