IT was a case of saving the best to last in the Scottish Junior Cup quarter-final draw when the final pairing pitted Pollok against favourites Linlithgow Rose.

The Prestonfield head-to-head will surely attract the biggest crowd of the Junior season to date as both clubs are among the best supported in their regions.

"Given the choice I'd much rather have avoided them, but no doubt Linlithgow will be thinking along the same lines," was the verdict from Lok boss Rab Sneddon.

And shock troops Lanark were handed a dream oppor-tunity to secure their first semi- final place in 30 years when first out of the hat alongside Kelty Hearts, 2-1 conquerors of Kilsyth in the last round.

Neilston, the only other surviving team yet to get their hands on the Holy Grail silverware, were given the ideal incentive to overcome Musselburgh in their replay.

If the Brig O'Lea men can come good through East then home advantage is theirs against either Camelon or Kilwinning.

No doubt Petershill and Arthurlie supporters will be doing cartwheels at the prospect of whoever wins their replay at Newlandsfield taking on Tranent or Yoker in the last eight.

Most intriguing of the ifs-and- buts scenarios arising from this convoluted tie is a Petershill v Yoker contest as the Holm Park side boast a healthy contingent of former Peasy favourites in gaffer Jim George as well as seasoned aces Billy McLafferty, Raymond Dunne and Scott Cameron.

Bookies William Hill were rubbing their hands with glee at the draw - especially, as you would expect, the Linlithgow v Pollok cruncher.

Their revised odds retain the East region side as favourites, with the full list reading: 7-2 agst Linlithgow, 9-2 Arthurlie, Pollok, 7 Kelty, 10 Lanark, Petershill, 12 Camelon, 14 Musselburgh, Neilston, 16 Kilwinning, 40 Yoker, 66 Tranent. (Each-way 1/3 odds 1, 2).

Apart from revising their Cup odds, Hills will probably be forced into a major rethink over the Super Premier title and relegation odds after a weekend of surprises at either end of the table.

An example of the ever- twisting plot saw a huge spanner thrown into the works at Beechwood Park.

Long-time league leaders and reigning champions Auchinleck suffered their first home defeat of the season in a 2-0 reverse against Glenafton, whose goals were netted by Stevie Agnew and Johnny McMillan.

The Ayrshiremen still enjoy a four-point lead over champion-ship rivals Pollok but this slip by Tommy Sloan's men leaves the Glasgow outfit with a game in hand before the teams meet home and away over the run-in.

And the melting pot will really start to bubble were the gap to be reduced to a solitary point if Lok win away at bottom markers Renfrew this weekend.

Auchinleck are on Whyte and Mackay Cup duty against Largs.

Newlandsfield top scorer Bryan Dingwall is maintaining a level-headed take on his team's chances. "At the start of December we trailed Auchinleck by 13 points but never at any time did we think we were out of it.

"I don't see our approach changing because right now our focus is on the Renfrew game and nothing else."

Both title contenders will be missing key players over the coming weeks.

Pollok midfielder Mark Booth is sidelined with knee ligament damage, while inspirational Auchinleck ace Brian Slavin is suspended on account of his red-carding against Glenafton.

At the other end of the table, Renfrew appear destined to take the drop despite picking up their first point in four months in a 2-2 draw with Shotts.

Another basement outfit, Maryhill, raised hopes of avoiding relegation thanks to a stunning 3-0 win over fellow-strugglers Bellshill.

Stephen McGowan (2) and Lee Sichi were on target to help the Lochburn Park side leapfrog their opponents into third-bottom in the standings. The Draw

Musselburgh or Neilston v Camelon or Kilwinning Rangers, Petershill or Arthurlie v Tranent or Yoker, Lanark Utd v Kelty Hearts, Linlithgow Rose v Pollok. Ties on Saturday, March 10, kick-off 2.30pm Saturday's Fixtures

(2pm unless stated) Scottish Junior Cup. Fifth round replays - Musselburgh v Neilston, Camelon v Kilwinning, Petershill v Arthurlie, Tranent v Yoker (all 2.15pm).

Whyte & Mackay Cup. Second round - Auchinleck v Largs, Glenafton v Irvine Meadow.

Stagecoach Super Premier - Renfrew v Pollok, Kilsyth v Maryhill, Bellshill v Cumnock.

Stagecoach Super First - Vale of Clyde v Girvan, Beith v Annbank, East Kilbride v Hurlford, Johnstone Burgh v Troon, Larkhall v Lesmahagow.

Stagecoach First Division - Lanark v Port Glasgow, Cambuslang v Clydebank, Cumbernauld v Rob Roy, Dunipace v Glencairn, Vale of Leven v Blantyre Vics, St Anthony's v Perthshire.

Stagecoach Second Division - Forth v Carluke, Ashfield v Wishaw, Shettleston v Benburb, Thorniewood v Newmains Utd, St Roch's v Stonehouse, Greenock v Royal Albert.

Stagecoach Ayrshire District - Whitletts v Winton Rovers, Kello v Ardeer, Craigmark v Darvel, Maybole v Dalry, Irvine Vics v Muirkirk, Saltcoats v Kilbirnie.