COMPETITION is expected to be intense later this month when the Donnie McManus KSC Community Shield is played at Kilwinning Sports Club.

The event is once again being sponsored by the Irvine Times and Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald and will kick off on Wednesday, July 26.

Defending champions are Kilwinning team Dirrans Athletic.

KSC development officer Colin Hunter said: "I am delighted the Irvine Times and Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald have again sponsored the event and this is a great chance to remember all the work the late Donnie McManus did for the club. Two clubs have been there since the start, Dirrans, Beith and West Kilbride. Hopefully the event will be played in a great spirit. Dirrans will work hard to retain the trophy and the others will be working hard to get it off them."

How they line up

Group A

Dirrans, Beith, Kilbirnie, Houston.

Group B

West Kilbride, Clark Drive, Ardrossan Castle Rovers, Ardeer West Rec

Fixtures, Wednesday, July 26 ko 7pm: West Kilbride v Ardeer WR, Clark Drive v Ardrossan CR ko 7.15pm: Dirrans v Kilbirnie, Beith v Houston.

Saturday, July 29, ko 2pm: Dirrans v Beith, Kilbirnie v Houston, West Kilbride v Ardrossan CR, Clark Drive v Ardeer WR.

Wednesday, August 2, ko 7pm: West Kilbride v Ardrossan CR, Clark Drive v Ardeer WR; ko 7.15pm: Dirrans v Houston, Beith v Kilbirnie.

Friday, August 4, ko 7pm: 3rd/4th place playoff and Final (winners of Group A v winners of Group B).