DOUBLE Superleague Premier Division-winning boss Johnny Millar admitted his Beith side have been handed a tough assignment in this season's William Hill Scottish Cup.

The Garnock Valley side were drawn away to South of Scotland League champions Threave Rovers in the first preliminary round of the national competition.

Borderers Threave have won the title a remarkable 13 times and will be considered slight favourites to progress.

However Beith will leave no stone unturned in their preparations for the tie, which is scheduled for Saturday, August 11. The winners will have home advantage against Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale three weeks later.

Millar, who also steered Beith to Premier Division glory in 2009-10 during his first spell with the club said: "Obviously we would have much preferred a home tie. We know it's going to be a very hard tie as Threave are a good side. But we are still early in the pre-season and will have quite a few competitive games under our belt by them. I would say it's going to be a 50-50 match, there might not be much in it.

"The winners have a good incentive to get through as they play at home to Lothian Thistle HV, but we can't afford to think about that as we have to keep our minds on the tie. I think we are good enough to get through but we will have to work hard."

Beith recently completed the signing of much sought-after winger/forward Peter Haggarty from Barrhead YFC Under-21s.

Millar said: "Peter will be a good addition to our squad and is a good young prospect."

The Garnock Valley side on Saturday lost 1-0 at home to Dalbeattie Star in their first friendly since returning to action following a break after an epic season which also saw them win the Evening Times Champions Cup.

Meanwhile, Scottish Junior Cup winners Auchinleck Talbot will have home advantage against Aberdeenshire side Banks O'Dee in another Scottish Cup First Preliminary Round tie, while in the second preliminary round, Girvan will host Golspie Sutherland or Burntisland Shipyard.