Thistle face up to Kilbirnie Ladeside in a match Largs fans like to know as their local derby!

Ladeside fans prefer to think of their derby as being against Beith, but there is always some added spice when they visit Largs.

Last season Largs won 6-0 in the same fixture with an impressive Joe Knowles hat-trick - both sides have changed their personnel since then, and it should be an interesting and closely fought affair.

I have played for both Largs and Kilbirnie during my playing career, and Ladeside seem to be enjoying a much improved season upon last year.

They have picked up some good wins this season including a 1-0 over league leaders Pollok.

The 'Blasties' will provide a tricky challenge for Largs at Barrfields on Saturday but it is one that I believe Largs can win.

I think the Largs forward line could really cause the Ladeside defence some problems.

Thistle are coming back off a narrow victory over plucky Luncarty - and it is also their third clean sheet in a row.

It was not much of a game for the purists but in the Scottish it is all about getting through to the next round.

That is what matters and all of us would no doubt take 1-0 victories every game in the league too.

Luncarty came to sit in and make life difficult for Largs which they managed to do. It was a hard watch.

Overall Largs deserved the victory. Paul Harkins in midfield showed he is a class player in spells but for me just needs to do it more often .

It was a great header by Jamie McKenna for the goal and he certainly made a difference when he came on.

Maybe now he has done enough to get a starting jersey.

Across the rest of the results the only surprise for me was Kilwinning Rangers only managing a draw at home against Bridge of Don Thistle

The focus is back to the league now. I hope Laurie McMaster is back from injury as he gives that balance at the back albeit Ben Eardley was a capable stand-in at the left back position on Saturday.

Kilbirnie are sitting third in the table 4 points ahead of Largs but Largs have played one game less.

It should be a good game with two evenly matched teams but I think Largs just have the edge.

Danger man for Kilbirnie is Jamie Longworth who has now scored over 150 goals for them after scoring a hat trick at the weekend.

They also have Jon Scullion upfront who has been with Ladeside in recent seasons.

Kilbirnie as a club very similar to Largs with a hardworking committee and volunteers giving a lot to the club.

* What about Leicester flying high in the English Premiership, 5-0 versus Newcastle.

I don’t see them repeating their championship season from a few years ago but have shown so far this season that they are a very capable team, and are currently sitting in third spot.

* It was some scoreline as Rangers toppled Aberdeen 5-0 at Ibrox.

It was not expected and looks like a real Rangers and Celtic battle for the title and a potential Rangers and Celtic final if they get past Hearts and Hibs.