SATURDAY sees the first round of the Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup and Cumnock boss Peter Leonard feels every team has got a chance to lift the trophy at the end of the season.

The Nock face a trip to North Ayrshire to face managerless Ayrshire District League side Saltcoats Victoria at Campbell Park.

The victors will play the winners of Glenafton Athletic v Annbank United and the Nock boss has his sights set on a derby tie.

He said: “Any team in Ayrshire likes to think they can win the Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup. Everybody knows everyone so it’s a bit like the Ardagh Cup and can throw up a few surprises.

“We did well to get to the last 32 of the Scottish and we’re still in the West as well.”

The Nock boss continued: “It would be good to get through to the next round and play local rivals Glenafton Athletic should they be successful too.”

Saltcoats caretaker manager Garry Russell is in charge until the end of the season after manager George Grierson sensationally quit to join Whitletts Victoria.

Leonard has faced Saltcoats before with Girvan and knows how dangerous the seasiders can be after they derailed Ardrossan Winton Rovers promotion bid for the second time this season with a 3-2 win at the weekend.

Leonard said: “They had a very good result against Winton this weekend.

“They recently played Irvine Vics and they ran them pretty close so although they have lost their manager George Grierson they still have some good players.”

He continued: “It’s never easy going up to Saltcoats away.”

Cumnock’s away match against Kirkintilloch Rob Roy was postponed due to the weather on Saturday, meaning that the Nock will have been without a competitive match for a month when they arrive at Campbell Park.

Every cloud has a silver lining though and the injury list at Townhead Park is reducing.

Leonard added: “We’re hoping that Del Esplin is fully recovered and will be available.

“Adam Hunter has had treatment on his knee so we’re starting to see the injuries clearing up.”