Ian Ashcroft has revealed a number of good reasons for wanting Beith to come out on top against Irvine Meadow tomorrow.

The one-time Pollok and Arthurlie stopper made a surprise return to the club scene as part of new Bellsdale Park boss Johnny Miller's backroom team.

And big Ashy has made it clear he is desperate to hit the ground running. He said: "First and foremost the aim is to help Johnny get his managerial career off to the best possible start by winning his first game.

"We've stayed close friends ever since playing together at Arthurlie and that was a major factor behind me getting involved again.

"He has all the experience and know-how to make a successful boss and hopefully Stevie Convery, Derek Rhodden and myself can give him the right backing."

Opening their joint dug-out account with a Meadow Park victory is a big ask for the new management team since their Beith side is shorn of the suspended John Jack's battling qualities and, in all probability, top scorer Andy Reid through injury.

"The players are so close to securing our Super Premier safety and it would be a huge disappointment if they did not make it over the finishing line now," added Ashy.

"But maybe three or four points are still required out of our remaining four league matches so getting a win tomorrow would be a massive step in the right direction.

"And the sooner we get things settled then the sooner Johnny can start to firm up his plans for next season and look to target signings he wants to bring here.

"On a purely selfish note, I want us to do well against the Medda because they are one of my former clubs where I enjoyed some good times.

"Their supporters will delight in giving me a hard time of it if they come out on top and so, too, will the players I've worked with in the Scotland set-up down through the years.

"The quality in their camp means it will take a monu- mental effort to take anything out of the game. However, it is certainly not beyond us if we play on the day."